OBJECTIVES:
I. Evaluate the potential of nutritional docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation to normalize the level of DHA in red blood cells, and to retard the progression of visual function loss in patients with early stage X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.
PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a randomized, parallel, double blind study. Patients receive 2 gel capsules per day of either docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) enriched oil or a placebo oil. Oral DHA supplementation continues daily for 3 years.
All patients are followed every 6 months for the 3 year duration of the study.
Completion date provided represents the completion date of the grant per OOPD records
PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:
--Disease Characteristics--
Diagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa
Early stage disease Sufficient cone function determined by recordable ERG (30 Hz amplitude; greater than 0.32 microvolts) Visual fields greater than 20 degrees Sufficient rod function (greater than 3.0 microvolts amplitude)
Media clarity sufficient for fundus photography
--Prior/Concurrent Therapy--
No concurrent use of anticoagulant medication
--Patient Characteristics--