[Lecithin therapy of hereditary ataxia]

Eight patients with Friedreich's ataxia and eight others with syndrome of spino-cerebellar degeneration received oral lecithin (21 g daily) for a six-month period. No relevant clinical change was note either during or soon after treatment. Statistical analysis was also irrelevant in the total number of patients. Similar results emerged when grouping the patients at the stage of the illness (stage II in contrast with stage III-IV). The outcome of therapeutical trials in literature is discussed in comparison with results.