Effectiveness of creatine monohydrate in mitochondrial encephalomyopathies

Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Jan;28(1):53-8. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(02)00469-1.

Abstract

The mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are chronic progressive disorders affecting predominantly the neuromuscular system. Symptoms are induced by insufficient energy supply resulting from a deficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. We studied one male and four female patients with genetically proven mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Their ages ranged from 7 to 19 years (two with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, one patient with neuronal muscle weakness, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa syndrome, and two patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes), using a retrospective study method. We studied the effect of creatine supplementation (0.08 g-0.35 g/kg body weight/day; 9 months to 4 years, 10 months) and measured skeletal muscle power analysis (bicycle ergometer). After creatine supplementation all patients demonstrated an increase in their maximum performance (W) (+4% - +30%; mean: +12.1%). These results indicate an improved aerobic oxidative function of mitochondria after creatine administration in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Continuous physical exercise was improved to a greater extent than instantaneous activity.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Creatine / administration & dosage*
  • Creatine / adverse effects
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • MELAS Syndrome / diagnosis
  • MELAS Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies / diagnosis
  • Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies / drug therapy*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Running
  • Vital Capacity / drug effects

Substances

  • Lactic Acid
  • Creatine