Assessing dalfampridine efficacy in the physician's office

Mult Scler. 2014 Jan;20(1):24-6. doi: 10.1177/1352458513489601. Epub 2013 May 31.

Abstract

Dalfampridine (extended release 4-aminopyridine) is shown in three recent randomised controlled trials to improve walking speed in people with multiple sclerosis; however, the trial literature makes it clear that dalfampridine is effective in only a subset of patients. For the neurologist working in an everyday physician's office, a key question arises: How to distinguish the few who experience a meaningful clinical benefit, from the many who do not? This question has not yet been adequately addressed in the available literature.

Keywords: 4-Aminopyridine; cost benefit analysis; multiple sclerosis; treatment outcome; walking speed.

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Mobility Limitation*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Physicians' Offices
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking

Substances

  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • 4-Aminopyridine