A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of creatine in children with spinal muscular atrophy
Wong BL., Hynan LS., Iannaccone ST., Iannaccone ST., Rabb K., Carman D., Harris K., Morton A., Hynan LS., Reisch JS., Smith J., Webster JC., Goldsmith C., Gorman AR., Schochet PN., Luckett PM., Walters P., Wong BL., Samaha FJ., Fritch A., Morehart PJ., Russman BS., Zilke K., Sienko-Thomas S., Leshner RT., Mayhew J., Grillo B., Smith SA., Stout J., Nugent A., Parke JT., Clark A., Earnest CP., Kryscio RJ., Timberman L., Moy CS., Newton C.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether oral creatine produces positive changes in any of 4 outcomes in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS: The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 55 patients aged 2-18 years with SMA. Patients aged younger than 5 years received 2 g/day of creatine/placebo for 6 months. Patients aged 5 years and older received 5 g/day. The primary outcome measure was the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Secondary outcome measures were Quantitative Muscle Testing (QMT), Parent Questionnaire for the PedsQL™ Neuromuscular Module (QOL), and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT). RESULTS: Forty of the 55 patients completed the protocol. There was no significant difference in the 4 outcome measures between creatine and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: Under the experimental conditions of our study, creatine supplementation for 6 months did not improve motor function, muscle strength, pulmonary function, or quality of life in children with SMA. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.