EFFECT OF L-5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN ON SELF-MUTILATION IN LESCH-NYHAN DISEASE - NEGATIVE REPORT

Four patients [boys] with Lesch-Nyhan disease were treated with L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone, or in combination with carbidopa, and their effect on self-mutilatory behavior was compared to that observed during periods in which placebo was administered. Observation periods were carefully standardized because of the ease with which patient-observer interactions can influence the behavior of the Lesch-Nyhan patient. The dosage level was sufficient to produce undesirable side-effects (diarrhea and vomiting). No effects on self-mutilation was observed under test conditions in the hospital or in the natural environment of the home. These results contrast with previous beneficial effects reported by others.