Contributions
Abstract: EP1561
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Treatment of specific symptoms
Background: Dalfampridine is an inhibitor of the voltage dependent potassium channel which enhances conduction of action potentials in demyelinating axons. The treatment is approved in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with impaired ambulation owing to its positive effect on walking speed. Additional studies support that it may also improve vision, fatigue, and tremor. However, a recent study suggests that it may worsen neuropathic pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Aims: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of dalfampridine-extended release (ER) on multiple parameters including ambulation, fatigue, visual functions, and neuropathic pain. We also tried to ascertain the previously proposed detrimental effect in patients with TN.
Methods: In this study, we collected data from MS patients who were prescribed dalfampridine-ER during their management. Patients were retrospectively questioned about the efficacy of the treatment and adverse effects. Patients with TN were analyzed separately.
Results: A total of 179 patients (109 female, 70 male) were included in the study. Most of the patients (72.1%) had progressive course. Mean treatment duration was 20.7±14,2 months (±standard deviation). Mean EDSS of the patients was 5,8±0,8. The proportion of patients who reported an improvement in ambulation and fatigue were 69.3% and 49.2% respectively. There was no subjective improvements in vision, diplopia or neuropathic pain. Additionally, we detected 7 patients with TN. Three of them reported worsening of pain after commencing dalfampridine treatment. Furthermore, TN started de novo in one patient during the treatment. All of the three patients reported an improvement of their TN after discontinuation of dalfampridine.
Conclusions: This study suggests that there may be a detrimental effect of dalfampridine in MS patients with TN. This may partially be associated with enhancement of neural transmission by increasing synaptic neurotransmitter release. Before starting dalfampridine, this adverse effect should be taken into consideration in patients with TN.
Disclosure: No conflict of interest related to the study.
Abstract: EP1561
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Treatment of specific symptoms
Background: Dalfampridine is an inhibitor of the voltage dependent potassium channel which enhances conduction of action potentials in demyelinating axons. The treatment is approved in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with impaired ambulation owing to its positive effect on walking speed. Additional studies support that it may also improve vision, fatigue, and tremor. However, a recent study suggests that it may worsen neuropathic pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Aims: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of dalfampridine-extended release (ER) on multiple parameters including ambulation, fatigue, visual functions, and neuropathic pain. We also tried to ascertain the previously proposed detrimental effect in patients with TN.
Methods: In this study, we collected data from MS patients who were prescribed dalfampridine-ER during their management. Patients were retrospectively questioned about the efficacy of the treatment and adverse effects. Patients with TN were analyzed separately.
Results: A total of 179 patients (109 female, 70 male) were included in the study. Most of the patients (72.1%) had progressive course. Mean treatment duration was 20.7±14,2 months (±standard deviation). Mean EDSS of the patients was 5,8±0,8. The proportion of patients who reported an improvement in ambulation and fatigue were 69.3% and 49.2% respectively. There was no subjective improvements in vision, diplopia or neuropathic pain. Additionally, we detected 7 patients with TN. Three of them reported worsening of pain after commencing dalfampridine treatment. Furthermore, TN started de novo in one patient during the treatment. All of the three patients reported an improvement of their TN after discontinuation of dalfampridine.
Conclusions: This study suggests that there may be a detrimental effect of dalfampridine in MS patients with TN. This may partially be associated with enhancement of neural transmission by increasing synaptic neurotransmitter release. Before starting dalfampridine, this adverse effect should be taken into consideration in patients with TN.
Disclosure: No conflict of interest related to the study.