Contributions
Abstract: P769
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Quality of life
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with sexual dysfunction and affects mostly women. Approved for walking impairment in MS, dalfampridine-extended-release (D-ER) is thought to act by restoring conduction in focally demyelinated axons and enhancing neurotransmission, thereby leading to improved neurological function. It is plausible that D-ER could improve sexual function and other physical aspects of MS such as bladder function and fatigue.
Objective: To explore whether D-ER has an effect in sexual function domains in women with MS.
Methods: Women with MS with stable disease who were newly prescribed D-ER (10 mg twice daily) for approved indication were invited to participate in this observational, exploratory study. 33 were screened for sexual dysfunction, 28 met inclusion criteria. The female Sexual Function Questionnaire was completed using semi-structured interviews before (n=28) and 8±2 weeks after start of D-ER(n=11). Demographic and clinical data were also obtained from interview and medical chart review. Paired t-test was used to assess the change before and after in sexual function domains: desire, arousal (i.e. sensation, lubrication, cognitive), orgasm, pain, enjoyment, and partner. Bladder and fatigue components from the MS quality of life inventory were also completed. Spearman rank correlations were performed between sexual function domains and EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), fatigue, and bladder function.
Results: Most were on MS therapy (n=23,86%) and T25FW ranged from 8 to 26 seconds (Mean10.9,SD±4.1). Sexual function scores fell in the dysfunctional level for all. Among those that completed the second questionnaire and were on D-ER for >8 weeks, there was significant improvement in desire (p=0.01), sensation (p=0.003), lubrication (p=0.03), cognitive (p=0.005), orgasm (p=0.04), pain (p=0.02), enjoyment (p=0.002) and partner scores (p=0.02). Each domain transitioned from high probability to borderline sexual dysfunctional scores with the exception of orgasm and lubrication. While bladder did not significantly improve, T25FW (Mean7.8,SD±1.4, p=0.03) and fatigue scores did (Mean35.3,SD±16.5, p=0.009). An inverse correlation was seen between fatigue score and partner domain (r=0.6, p=0.002).
Conclusion: Preliminary data support further investigation on the effects of D-ER in treating sexual dysfunction in women with MS. We speculate that pelvic rich voltage-sensitive-potassium channels involved in sexual response are responsive to D-ER.
Disclosure:
Dr. Berkovich has consulted and is a speaker for ACORDA, Biogen, Genzyme, Bayer, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Serono, and TEVA.
L. Tarlow has consulted and is a speaker for ACORDA, Biogen, Genzyme, Bayer, Mallinckrodt, Serono, Novartis and TEVA.
J. Aparicio and A. Palomeque have nothing to disclose.
Dr. Amezcua has consulted for Genzyme, Biogen, and has funding from Novartis.
Funding source: The following research was supported by ACORDA through an investigator-initiated study (PI: L. Amezcua)
Abstract: P769
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - Quality of life
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with sexual dysfunction and affects mostly women. Approved for walking impairment in MS, dalfampridine-extended-release (D-ER) is thought to act by restoring conduction in focally demyelinated axons and enhancing neurotransmission, thereby leading to improved neurological function. It is plausible that D-ER could improve sexual function and other physical aspects of MS such as bladder function and fatigue.
Objective: To explore whether D-ER has an effect in sexual function domains in women with MS.
Methods: Women with MS with stable disease who were newly prescribed D-ER (10 mg twice daily) for approved indication were invited to participate in this observational, exploratory study. 33 were screened for sexual dysfunction, 28 met inclusion criteria. The female Sexual Function Questionnaire was completed using semi-structured interviews before (n=28) and 8±2 weeks after start of D-ER(n=11). Demographic and clinical data were also obtained from interview and medical chart review. Paired t-test was used to assess the change before and after in sexual function domains: desire, arousal (i.e. sensation, lubrication, cognitive), orgasm, pain, enjoyment, and partner. Bladder and fatigue components from the MS quality of life inventory were also completed. Spearman rank correlations were performed between sexual function domains and EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), fatigue, and bladder function.
Results: Most were on MS therapy (n=23,86%) and T25FW ranged from 8 to 26 seconds (Mean10.9,SD±4.1). Sexual function scores fell in the dysfunctional level for all. Among those that completed the second questionnaire and were on D-ER for >8 weeks, there was significant improvement in desire (p=0.01), sensation (p=0.003), lubrication (p=0.03), cognitive (p=0.005), orgasm (p=0.04), pain (p=0.02), enjoyment (p=0.002) and partner scores (p=0.02). Each domain transitioned from high probability to borderline sexual dysfunctional scores with the exception of orgasm and lubrication. While bladder did not significantly improve, T25FW (Mean7.8,SD±1.4, p=0.03) and fatigue scores did (Mean35.3,SD±16.5, p=0.009). An inverse correlation was seen between fatigue score and partner domain (r=0.6, p=0.002).
Conclusion: Preliminary data support further investigation on the effects of D-ER in treating sexual dysfunction in women with MS. We speculate that pelvic rich voltage-sensitive-potassium channels involved in sexual response are responsive to D-ER.
Disclosure:
Dr. Berkovich has consulted and is a speaker for ACORDA, Biogen, Genzyme, Bayer, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Serono, and TEVA.
L. Tarlow has consulted and is a speaker for ACORDA, Biogen, Genzyme, Bayer, Mallinckrodt, Serono, Novartis and TEVA.
J. Aparicio and A. Palomeque have nothing to disclose.
Dr. Amezcua has consulted for Genzyme, Biogen, and has funding from Novartis.
Funding source: The following research was supported by ACORDA through an investigator-initiated study (PI: L. Amezcua)