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Journal of Neurology

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01-05-2018 | Original Communication

Positive effects of fampridine on cognition, fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis over 2 years

Authors: Sarah D. Broicher, Linard Filli, Olivia Geisseler, Nicole Germann, Björn Zörner, P. Brugger, M. Linnebank

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Objective

To assess the effects of PR-fampridine on cognitive functioning, fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

Thirty-two PwMS were included in this trial. Cognitive performance was assessed in an open-label and randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study design using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery as well as questionnaires examining depression and fatigue.

Results

We found significant improvements in cognitive measures assessing alertness (tonic alertness, p = 0.0244 and phasic alertness, p = 0.0428), psychomotor speed (p = 0.0140) as well as verbal fluency (p = 0.0002) during open-label treatment with PR-fampridine. These effects of performance were paralleled by patients’ perception of reduced fatigue (physical, p = 0.0131; cognitive, p = 0.0225; total, p = 0.0126). Fampridine-induced improvements in phasic alertness (p = 0.0010) and measures of fatigue (physical, p = 0.0014; cognitive, p = 0.0003; total, p = 0.0005) were confirmed during randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled assessment in the second year. In addition, we found positive effects of PR-fampridine on depressive symptoms (p = 0.0049). We demonstrated persisting beneficial effects of PR-fampridine on fatigue in PwMS over a period of more than 2 years. Drug responsiveness regarding cognitive performance and fatigue was not limited to walking responders.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate significant positive effects of treatment with PR-fampridine over 2 years on different cognitive domains as well as fatigue and depression in a cohort of PwMS. These findings imply that PR-fampridine should be considered as symptomatic treatment improving aspects of cognition, fatigue and depression in PwMS.

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Title: Positive effects of fampridine on cognition, fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis over 2 years
Authors: Sarah D. Broicher
Linard Filli
Olivia Geisseler
Nicole Germann
Björn Zörner
P. Brugger
M. Linnebank
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-018-8796-9

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Positive effects of fampridine on cognition, fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis over 2 years

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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