A Cochrane systematic review examined eight studies involving 574 people with genetically confirmed Friedreich ataxia. These studies tested various pharmacological treatments, including vitamins and specific drugs, against a placebo. The researchers looked at how these treatments affected movement, daily activities, and heart function over a period of 12 months.
The analysis showed that most treatments probably made little or no difference to the main measure of disease severity. Results for heart measurements and daily living activities were very uncertain. However, one outcome showed a probable improvement in upper limb dexterity.
Safety data were limited. The review was very uncertain about whether treatments changed the risk of side effects. Some studies were small, and the evidence for serious events was based on few participants. The authors noted that the overall certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate.
Readers should understand that this review does not support the use of these drugs for improving core symptoms. The probable improvement in hand dexterity was unexpected and needs more study. Patients should discuss these findings with their doctors before starting new treatments.