Björg Guðjónsdóttir¹

Haukur Hjaltason^2,3

Guðbjörg Þóra Andrésdóttir³

¹Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, ²Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, ³Department of Neurology, National University Hospital, Iceland

Correspondence:
Björg Guðjónsdóttir, thbjorg@hi.is

Key words: MS, fampridine, gait function, symptomatic treatment.

 

INTRODUCTION: Fampridine is a drug for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a broad-spectrum voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker that enhances synaptic transmission. The drug has been shown to be able to enhance conduction in demyelinated axons, thereby leading to improved gait in patients with MS. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fampridine on gait function in people with MS in the end of a 2 weeks trial drug period and to observe how many patients continued drug therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 41 individuals with MS was collected retrospectively for this study. Measurements were administered by physiotherapists and the results from the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) and 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) were obtained from medical records from The National University Hospital of Iceland.

RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in walking speed before and at the end of trial period (p<0.0001). The average improvement in walking speed was 22%. Results also demonstrated a significant difference in MSWS-12 scores before and at the end of treatment (p<0.0001). The average improvement in MSWS-12 was 11.4 points. Eighteen individuals (43.9%) continued treatment after the trial period.

CONCLUSION: Fampridine can have a positive effect on impaired gait function in people with MS and can be an important adjunct to treatment.