biostudies-literatureSummers CGNCATS NIH HHSVision for Tomorrow713-21https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4169362biostudies-literatureUnknown42(8)<h4>Background</h4>Dopamine is an intermediate product in the biosynthesis of melanin pigment, which is absent or reduced in albinism. Animal research has shown that supplying a precursor to dopamine, levodopa, may improve visual acuity in albinism by enhancing neural networks. This study examines the safety and effectiveness of levodopa on best-corrected visual acuity in human subjects with albinism.<h4>Design</h4>Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial conducted at the University of Minnesota.<h4>Participants</h4>Forty-five subjects with albinism.<h4>Methods</h4>Subjects with albinism were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms: levodopa 0.76 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, levodopa 0.51 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, or placebo and followed for 20 weeks, with best-corrected visual acuity measured at enrollment, and at weeks 5, 10, 15, and 20 after enrollment. Side-effects were recorded with a symptom survey. Blood was drawn for genotyping.<h4>Main outcome measures</h4>Side-effects and best-corrected visual acuity 20 weeks after enrolment.<h4>Results</h4>All subjects had at least one mutation found in a gene known to cause albinism. Mean age was 14.5 years (range: 3.5 to 57.8 years). Follow up was 100% and compliance was good. Minor side-effects were reported; there were no serious adverse events. There was no statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity after 20 weeks with either dose of levodopa.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Levodopa, in the doses used in this trial and for the time course of administration, did not improve visual acuity in subjects with albinism.Clinical & experimental ophthalmologyDoes levodopa improve vision in albinism? Results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.PMC4169362no numberUL1 TR000114UL1 TR000427Anderson JLSummers CGHolleschau AMConnett JEMcKay BSDe Becker IBrilliant MHfalseDoes levodopa improve vision in albinism? Results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.<h4>Background</h4>Dopamine is an intermediate product in the biosynthesis of melanin pigment, which is absent or reduced in albinism. Animal research has shown that supplying a precursor to dopamine, levodopa, may improve visual acuity in albinism by enhancing neural networks. This study examines the safety and effectiveness of levodopa on best-corrected visual acuity in human subjects with albinism.<h4>Design</h4>Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial conducted at the University of Minnesota.<h4>Participants</h4>Forty-five subjects with albinism.<h4>Methods</h4>Subjects with albinism were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms: levodopa 0.76 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, levodopa 0.51 mg/kg with 25% carbidopa, or placebo and followed for 20 weeks, with best-corrected visual acuity measured at enrollment, and at weeks 5, 10, 15, and 20 after enrollment. Side-effects were recorded with a symptom survey. Blood was drawn for genotyping.<h4>Main outcome measures</h4>Side-effects and best-corrected visual acuity 20 weeks after enrolment.<h4>Results</h4>All subjects had at least one mutation found in a gene known to cause albinism. Mean age was 14.5 years (range: 3.5 to 57.8 years). Follow up was 100% and compliance was good. Minor side-effects were reported; there were no serious adverse events. There was no statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity after 20 weeks with either dose of levodopa.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Levodopa, in the doses used in this trial and for the time course of administration, did not improve visual acuity in subjects with albinism.2014-01-01T00:00:00Z2014 Nov2024-12-04T09:52:30.249Z2019-03-27T01:36:00ZS-EPMC41693622464167810.1111/ceo.12325