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Fampridine in multiple sclerosis patients with acute phase of cervical transverse myelitis: a double-blind,
Ali Amini Harandi1, Hossein Pakdaman2, Faezeh Karamiani2
1Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali.amini.harandi@gmail.com.
Background:
Fampridine is a potassium channel blocker drug used to improve walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the effect of fampridine in patients with MS in the acute phase of transverse myelitis.
Methods:
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 30 patients who had their first episode of cervical myelitis with quadriparesis presentation, with the final diagnosis of MS, were randomly divided into two equal groups. The intervention group received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) for 7 days plus fampridine. The placebo group received IVMP for 7 days plus placebo. To compare the treatment results, we compared the Barthel index (BI) scores of the groups at the start of the trial and the 21st day after the start of treatment.
Results:
There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the intervention and placebo groups in terms of mean age, sex, and mean admission BI (p > 0.05). Mean (SD) admission BI in placebo and intervention groups was 27.20 (7.341) and 27.87(5.78), respectively (p = 0.784). The measured mean (SD) BI after treatment was 48.73 (15.54) in the placebo and 64.93 (11.81) in the intervention group (p = 0.003) after 3 weeks.
Conclusion:
Using fampridine plus IVMP in the acute phase of transverse myelitis in MS patients improved the disease's symptoms and increased the daily activity ability of patients.
Insights
Fampridine combined with IVMP significantly improved daily activity in multiple sclerosis patients during acute transverse myelitis. This treatment enhanced disease symptoms and patient mobility.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fampridine is a potassium channel blocker used to enhance walking in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- This study investigates fampridine's efficacy in MS patients experiencing acute transverse myelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effect of fampridine in conjunction with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) for MS patients in the acute phase of transverse myelitis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 30 MS patients with first-episode cervical myelitis.
- Participants received either IVMP plus fampridine or IVMP plus placebo for 7 days.
- The Barthel Index (BI) was used to compare functional outcomes at baseline and 21 days post-treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant baseline differences were observed between the fampridine and placebo groups.
- The intervention group (fampridine + IVMP) showed a significantly higher mean BI score (64.93) compared to the placebo group (48.73) after 3 weeks (p=0.003).
Conclusions:
- Fampridine, when administered with IVMP during the acute phase of transverse myelitis in MS patients, effectively improves symptoms.
- This combination therapy enhances patients' ability to perform daily activities.
