The objective of this paper is to determine the clinical tolerability and effects of dalfampridine on walking and community participation.
Our study supports the utility of this medication in late Multiple Sclerosis.
Source:
Oregon Health and Science University and Portland VA Medical Center, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In short-term trials, dalfampridine extended release (ER) improves walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The tolerability and effects of dalfampridine-ER in clinical practice have not been reported.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this paper is to determine the clinical tolerability and effects of dalfampridine on walking and community participation.METHODS:
All patients at the Portland VA Medical Center prescribed dalfampridine-ER over one year completed the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12), Two-Minute Timed Walk (2MTW), and Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) at baseline and follow-up clinic visits. Ongoing use and measures over one year were analyzed.CONCLUSIONS: Dalfampridine-ER was associated with short-term improvements in walking speed and community participation, and sustained improvements in walking endurance and self-perceived impact of MS on walking for one year. Our study supports the utility of this medication in late MS.
