Sustained-release fampridine (4-aminopyridine) in multiple sclerosis: efficacy and impact on motor function.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sustained-release fampridine (4-aminopyridine) in veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS) with limited ambulatory ability, and its impact on motor function in an outpatient setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center [Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center].

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans; 20 MS patients were prescribed dalfampridine (10 mg twice daily) due to their difficulty with walking based on patient and caregiver report and clinician impression of change in the ability to ambulate based on prior 10-meter (10M) and 2-minute walk tests (2MWTs).

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were mean changes in walking speed (10M walk test), walking distance (2MWT), and Total Functional Independence Measure (TFIM). Improvement of >20% in walking speed was indicated as a clinically meaningful change.

RESULTS

Treatment with dalfampridine resulted in significant improvement in walking speed and endurance (p < 0.05). Walking speed increased by 33% and walking endurance by 31%, representing clinically meaningful improvement. This change was not influenced by change in muscle tone. This improvement in mobility was associated with a clinically significant change in motor function. Adverse effects, including insomnia, dizziness, and headache, were experienced by five patients who discontinued the medication after a minimum of 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with dalfampridine resulted in clinically relevant improvements in walking speed and endurance in MS patients with limited ambulation and helped improve their motor function.