[Dexamethasone therapy in Huntington chorea: preliminary results].

Abstract

Neuroleptic drugs represent the current therapy for Huntington's chorea (HC). However neuroleptics can improve involuntary movements, but not functional performance and disease progression. Several clinical and experimental data suggest the existence of functional relationship between corticosteroids and extrapyramidal system. We administered dexamethasone to six choreics, all female. Dexamethasone was given i.m. at dose of 4 mg/die for 20 days and 8 mg/die for 20 days more. Dexamethasone at both the doses used, determined significant improvement (p less than 0.05) of dyskinesia, evaluated by AIMS, and manual dexterity, evaluated by Tapping test. Although at present it is not clear which mechanism are responsible for this of dexamethasone favourable effect, it might open new perspectives in HC therapy.