Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. The most common mutation is in the mtDNA gene MT-TL1 encoding the mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR). For understanding the development of seizures in patients with mitochondrial disease, a study has recently emphasized the deficiency of astrocytic glutamine synthetase, creating a disinhibited neuronal network for seizure generation. The investigators propose to evaluate nine patients with mitochondrial DNA mutation and MELAS. Patients will receive oral supplementation with 12-18 g/day of glutamine (adjusted for weight and plasma concentrations). The primary outcome measures modification in clinical scales.
The purpose of this study is to assesses the clinical efficacy of oral supplementation with glutamine over 3 years.