CP-159 Assessment of effectiveness in walking ability and safety of fampridine in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Background Fampridine is a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker. It´s indicated to improve walking ability (WA) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients should be evaluated after two weeks and treatment should be stopped for those who have not shown an improvement. Purpose To assess the effectiveness of fampridine in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with walking impairment. Secondary endpoint is evaluation of safety. Material and methods Observational retrospective study (November 2013 to September 2014) that included patients with MS who started treatment with fampridine 10 mg twice daily, in a second level hospital. The main measure of effectiveness was based on improvements in walking speed along a path of 25 feet (7.5 metres) (T25FW) and in the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS12) questionnaire that measures the patient’s impression of the effect of their MS related walking disability on their ability to perform activities of daily life. Assessments were performed at baseline and after 2 weeks of treatment. Effectiveness was defined as 20% improvement in T25FW or a minimum reduction of 6 points in the MSWS-12 score. The results were compared with the efficacy results of the pivotal clinical trials (CT). The safety of fampridine was evaluated through side effects (SE). Results 11 patients were included (mean age, 47 years; mean EDSS 6; mean T25FW, 47 s and mean MSWS-12, 40 points). After 2 weeks, 54% (6/11) of patients walked ≥20% faster (mean 26 s), and 72% (8/11) of patients MSWS-12 (mean 32 points). 81% (9/11) of patients improved WA after two weeks. The most common SE were constipation, balance disorder, dizziness and difficulty speaking. Due to this SE, two patients left treatment. Conclusion Fampridine has been demonstrated to be effective in improving the WA of patients with MS, with an acceptable SE profile. Rate of response after two weeks was 81%, greater than the results of the CT (43% and 35%). References and/or Acknowledgements No conflict of interest.