Current global vitamin and cofactor prescribing practices for primary mitochondrial diseases: Results of a European reference network survey

Abstract

Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMD) account for a group of approximately 400 different genetic disorders with diverse clinical presentations and pathomechanisms. Although each individual disorder is rare, collectively they represent one of the largest groups in the field of inherited metabolic disorders. The complexity of PMD results in a continued lack of therapeutic options, necessitating a predominantly symptomatic treatment approach for affected patients. While a subset of diseases responds exceptionally well to treatment with specific vitamins or cofactors, for most PMD systematic reviews were not able to show significant benefit. This is in discrepancy to their continued frequent use among specialists. To gain further insight into the current clinical practice of vitamin and cofactor supplementation among clinicians treating children and adults affected by PMD, we conducted a worldwide cross‐sectional questionnaire study exploring the choice of substances and the specific diseases where they are applied. To our knowledge, this is the first global study exploring this topic and featuring a high response rate from paediatricians. The vast majority (95%, 106/112) of responding specialists recommended the use of vitamins and cofactors, either in an agnostic approach irrespective of the specific PMD or directed to the treatment of specific diseases or phenotypes. Our study highlights significant regional and specialty‐specific differences in supplementation practices. We provide some preliminary insights into specialist‐based opinions regarding the use of vitamins and cofactors in PMD and highlight the need for more rigorous clinical and preclinical investigations and/or clear consensus statements.