Pathogenesis of Rett Syndrome: Natural History and Treatment

RTT is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by apparently normal early development followed by loss of purposeful hand use, distinctive hand stereotypies, slowed brain growth, loss of language, respiratory irregularities, GI disturbances, gait abnormalities, seizures, and mental retardation. These symptoms appear between ages 6 and 18 months (stage 2 of the disease) following apparently normal development (stage 1). Subsequently, there is gradual stabilization of severe mental retardation and motor compromise (stage 3). The majority (70% to 80%) of patients demonstrate mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding-protein-2 (MeCP2) gene, a transcription repressor located on chromosome Xq28. The disorder predominantly affects females, but a few males with mutations in MeCP2 have been identified, even though many of them do not have the classic symptoms recognized in females.

Recent studies demonstrate increased brain N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in stages 2 and 3 of the disease. This age-specific increase in glutamate levels and their receptors contribute to brain damage. This first study will examine the effectiveness of dextromethorphan, an NMDA receptor antagonist, to ameliorate symptoms. Participants will be randomized to receive one of three doses of dextromethorphan. All participants will be admitted to the hospital for three days at the beginning of the study. During the hospitalization, participants will undergo physical exam, Dexascan, MRI, EEG, behavioral assessment, laboratory testing, and neuropsychological evaluations. Six months after baseline assessment, participants will be rehospitalized for 3 days for similar assessments.

Reduction in choline acetyltransferase activity in RTT patients may also contribute to disturbed cortical development and psychomotor retardation in RTT. Therefore, the second part of the study will evaluate the effect of donepezil hydrochloride, an inhibitor of acetylcholine-esterase, on acetylcholine levels. This portion of the study will not begin until pharmacokinetic data for donepezil in children is available.