Related Experiment Videos
Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND).
R G Miller1, J D Mitchell, M Lyon
1Department of Neurology, California Pacific Medical Center, 2324 Sacramento Street, Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. rmiller@cooper.cpmc.org
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 22, 2002
Summary
Riluzole (100 mg daily) offers a modest survival benefit for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, prolonging life by approximately two months. Further research is needed for specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment landscape.
- Riluzole's approved status and ongoing efficacy questions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate riluzole's efficacy in prolonging survival for ALS patients.
- Assess riluzole's impact on delaying vital support interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Meta-analysis of survival data and adverse events.
- Searched Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Register.
Main Results:
- Riluzole (100 mg/day) showed a statistically significant survival benefit in a homogeneous patient group.
- A trend towards prolonged survival was observed when including more heterogeneous patient data.
- Riluzole demonstrated a modest benefit in bulbar and limb function, but not muscle strength.
- Increased alanine transferase levels were noted as an adverse effect.
Conclusions:
- Riluzole (100 mg daily) is safe and likely extends survival by ~2 months in ALS patients.
- Further studies required for older patients (>75 years) and those with advanced disease.
- Riluzole may help maintain a less affected health state for longer.