[Experience with L-DOPA treatment of children with dystonia musculorum deformans and dystonic hyperkineses in infantile cerebral palsy].

Nineteen children with dystonia musculorum deformans and dystonic hyperkineses were treated by L-DOPA. A mild positive effect was obtained in 6 children, a considerable positive effect in 9 children. A more marked positive effect was obtained in children with dystonia musculorum deformans. The results indicate the efficiency of L-DOPA in the treatment of dystonia musculorum deformans and dystonic hyperkineses against the residual organic background. The advisability of 2-3 month long courses of therapy with L-DOPA 2-3 times a year is discussed. Some patients may need a continuous therapy with maintenance doses of the drug.