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BACKGROUND: Fampridine is a broad-spectrum voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker that enhances synaptic transmission. The drug has been shown to be able to ameliorate conduction in demyelinated axons, thereby leading to improved gait in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the "real-life" efficacy and safety of fampridine prescribed for gait disorders in MS. This was an observational and prospective study carried out at MS Units participating in the Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. METHODS: Patients with MS and gait disorders were prescribed fampridine (10 mg twice a day), irrespectively of the degree of disability determined by MS. Neurological disability determined by MS was assessed with the expanded disability scale score (EDSS). Outcomes for efficacy and safety of the drug were evaluated by the 25 foot-walk test and by the adverse events of fampridine. RESULTS: The time taken to walk 25 feet decreased by 20% or more in 62 patients (70%). Twenty-five patients were considered to be non-responders to this treatment. Improvement in walking speed was independent of improvement of disability. Mild or moderate adverse events were reported in 8% of patients. CONCLUSION: Fampridine is an efficient and safe therapeutic option for patients with MS and gait disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria is the property of Thieme Medical Publishing Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Fingolimod is the newest approved drug for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Brazil, and the number of users has been rising in the country. At the same time, there has been growing concern regarding its side effects, mainly bradycardia during the first dose. Most neurology centers refer their patients to specialized cardiology clinics in order to take the first dose of fingolimod, expanding experience of first dose care. Methods: Our team presents the results of our 10 first dose patients receiving fingolimod. Results: The mean age was 39 years, 90% were female and all were relapsing-remitting MS patients. All had a normal ECG prior to receiving the first dose, and also at the end of the recommended 6-hour observation time. No one had symptomatic or asymptomatic bradycardia. The lowest reduction of cardiac frequency was 26.5% relative to the initial reading (83bpm to 62bpm) in a patient who complained of temporary thoracic discomfort. All patients had <20% reduction in cardiac frequency after the 6-hour observation period, relative to the initial reading. Conclusions: The first dose of fingolimod in our cohort proved to be safe and devoid of any real cardiovascular symptoms. All neurology care centers in Brazil should present their data on first dose fingolimod administration in order that Brazilian neurologists can gather more understanding and experience of this new and promising drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]