Clinical response and tolerability of fampridine in clinical practice

Abstract

Background: Gait disorder is very prevalent in multiple sclerosis. After 15 years of disease progression, 50% of patients need assistive devices for walking.

Materials & methods: We performed a multicenter observational study, including multiple sclerosis patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 4.0 and 7.0, normal kidney function and no previous history of seizures.

Results: The study sample comprised 138 patients with average age of 50.3 years median Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6.0. After treatment, a significant reduction was observed in both the Timed 25-Foot Walk test (baseline, 20.3 s; 14 days, 13.2 s; p < 0.001; 3 months, 12.1 s; p < 0.001) and the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale score (baseline, 82.3; 14 days, 59.4; p < 0.001; 3 months, 57.2; p < 0.001). Adverse events were recorded in 39.9% of patients.

Keywords: efficacy; gait disorder; multiple sclerosis; prolonged-release fampridine; safety.