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Fernández Fernández Ó, Costa-Frossard L, Martínez Ginés ML, Montero Escribano P, Prieto González JM, Ramió-Torrentà L, Aladro Y, Alonso Torres A, Álvarez Rodríguez E, Labiano-Fontcuberta A, Landete Pascual L, Miralles Martínez A, Moral Torres E, Oliva-Nacarino P. Practical tool to identify Spasticity-Plus Syndrome amongst patients with multiple sclerosis. Algorithm development based on a conjoint analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1371644. [PMID: 38708001 PMCID: PMC11066270 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1371644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Spasticity-Plus Syndrome (SPS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to a combination of spasticity and other signs/symptoms such as spasms, cramps, bladder dysfunction, tremor, sleep disorder, pain, and fatigue. The main purpose is to develop a user-friendly tool that could help neurologists to detect SPS in MS patients as soon as possible. Methods A survey research based on a conjoint analysis approach was used. An orthogonal factorial design was employed to form 12 patient profiles combining, at random, the eight principal SPS signs/symptoms. Expert neurologists evaluated in a survey and a logistic regression model determined the weight of each SPS sign/symptom, classifying profiles as SPS or not. Results 72 neurologists participated in the survey answering the conjoint exercise. Logistic regression results of the survey showed the relative contribution of each sign/symptom to the classification as SPS. Spasticity was the most influential sign, followed by spasms, tremor, cramps, and bladder dysfunction. The goodness of fit of the model was appropriate (AUC = 0.816). Concordance between the experts' evaluation vs. model estimation showed strong Pearson's (r = 0.936) and Spearman's (r = 0.893) correlation coefficients. The application of the algorithm provides with a probability of showing SPS and the following ranges are proposed to interpret the results: high (> 60%), moderate (30-60%), or low (< 30%) probability of SPS. Discussion This study offers an algorithmic tool to help healthcare professionals to identify SPS in MS patients. The use of this tool could simplify the management of SPS, reducing side effects related with polypharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Fernández Fernández
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Lucienne Costa-Frossard
- Department of Neurology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma Montero Escribano
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, San Carlos Clinical University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Prieto González
- Department of Neurology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lluís Ramió-Torrentà
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurology, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital and Santa Caterina Hospital, Girona-Salt, Spain
- Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation Research Group, IDIBGI, Girona-Salt, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Aladro
- University Hospital of Getafe, European University of Madrid, University Hospital La Paz Research Institute (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Alonso Torres
- Department of Neurology, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Ester Moral Torres
- Department of Neurology, Moises Broggi University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Oliva-Nacarino
- Department of Neurology, Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), Institute of Health Research of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Fernández Ó, Sörensen PS, Comi G, Vermersch P, Hartung HP, Leocani L, Berger T, Van Wijmeersch B, Oreja-Guevara C. Managing multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 55 and above: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379538. [PMID: 38646534 PMCID: PMC11032020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management in individuals aged 55 and above presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between aging, comorbidities, immunosenescence, and MS pathophysiology. This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of MS in older adults, including the increased incidence and prevalence of MS in this age group, the shift in disease phenotypes from relapsing-remitting to progressive forms, and the presence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. We aim to provide an updated review of the available evidence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in older patients, including the efficacy and safety of existing therapies, emerging treatments such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTKs) inhibitors and those targeting remyelination and neuroprotection, and the critical decisions surrounding the initiation, de-escalation, and discontinuation of DMTs. Non-pharmacologic approaches, including physical therapy, neuromodulation therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy, are also examined for their role in holistic care. The importance of MS Care Units and advance care planning are explored as a cornerstone in providing patient-centric care, ensuring alignment with patient preferences in the disease trajectory. Finally, the review emphasizes the need for personalized management and continuous monitoring of MS patients, alongside advocating for inclusive study designs in clinical research to improve the management of this growing patient demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Fernández
- Departament of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Pediatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Per Soelberg Sörensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LilNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bart Van Wijmeersch
- University MS Centre, Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
- Rehabilitation and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Noorderhart Hospitals, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Alashram AR, Janada Q, Ghrear T. Noninvasive brain stimulation for spasticity rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. PM R 2024; 16:268-277. [PMID: 37574913 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). LITERATURE SURVEY We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, PEDro, CINAHL, AMED, and Web of Science until December 2022. METHODOLOGY Studies were selected if they included PwMS, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a main intervention, and were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including at least one outcome measure evaluating spasticity. Two researchers individually screened the selected studies. The study's quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaborations tool. The researchers decided that the meta-analysis was not possible because the treatment interventions varied among the selected studies. SYNTHESIS In total, 147 studies were reviewed. Of them, nine studies met the eligibility criteria and included 193 PwMS (mean age = 43.2 years), 54.4% of whom were female. Eight studies were considered "high" quality and one was considered "moderate" quality. Seven studies that used rTMS demonstrated a significant decrease in spasticity in PwMS after the intervention. The remaining studies that provided tDCS did not show meaningful effects. CONCLUSIONS The evidence for the influences of rTMS on spasticity in PwMS is promising. The evidence for the impact of tDCS on spasticity in PwMS was limited. Further RCTs with long-term follow-ups are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas R Alashram
- Department of Physiotherapy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Qusai Janada
- Department of Physiotherapy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tamara Ghrear
- Department of Physiotherapy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
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Garde N, Heibel M. Effect of nabiximols oromucosal spray (Sativex ®) on symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: a case series. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-10-1. [PMID: 38384931 PMCID: PMC10881112 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-10-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Spasticity and its related symptoms of spasms, pain, sleep disturbance and bladder dysfunction are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may be interconnected through a common pathophysiology and/or may trigger and worsen each other. Tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol (nabiximols) oromucosal spray (Sativex) is an add-on treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe MS spasticity who fail to respond adequately to conventional oral medications. There is evidence that nabiximols can ameliorate spasticity-associated symptoms irrespective of its effect on spasticity. This case series describes 12 adults with MS spasticity who were evaluated for symptom evolution before and during adjunctive nabiximols treatment. Nabiximols reduced spasticity severity in 11 patients, of whom 8 had a clinically important ≥30% improvement in 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale scores during treatment. In 7 patients who reported spasms, severity was reduced or spasms were absent/unnoticeable during nabiximols treatment. Walking distance was improved in 8 patients. Pain severity was reduced in 11 patients, and sleep disorder was completely resolved in 3 patients and improved in 8. Bladder dysfunction was improved in 6 of 7 patients with baseline symptoms. Two patients arguably should have discontinued nabiximols sooner: one had a limited response and experienced adverse effects throughout 6 months of treatment; the other was a non-responder who suffered a fall due to dizziness after 7 weeks of use. Overall, this case series shows, at an individual patient level, that the benefits of nabiximols extend beyond spasticity to include spasticity-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Heibel
- Sauerlandklinik Hachen, MS-Spezialklinik, Sundern–Hachen, Germany
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Haupts MR, Essner U, Mäurer M. Patient-reported benefits from nabiximols treatment in multiple sclerosis-related spasticity exceed conventional measures. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2024; 14:11-20. [PMID: 38318862 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2023-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, noninterventional 12-week study investigated the effectiveness and tolerability of add-on nabiximols oromucosal spray (Sativex®) in the real-world setting in Germany. Patients & methods: The main analysis set comprised 51 adult patients (49 nabiximols responders) with multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity. Results: The mean overall goal attainment scale score (primary outcome measure) increased by 46% from baseline to week 12 (35.2 vs 51.4; p < 0.001). Mean gait speed was improved by 23% at 4 and 12 weeks. Clinically meaningful improvements in mean 0-10 numerical rating scale scores for spasticity, pain, sleep quality and urinary bladder dysfunction were recorded at 4 and 12 weeks. Conclusion: Nabiximols is a useful therapeutic option for patients with MS spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Haupts
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Ute Essner
- O. Meany Consultancy GmbH, Hamburg, 22339, Germany
| | - Mathias Mäurer
- Klinik für Neurologie, Juliusspital Würzburg Klinikum Würzburg Mitte gGmbH, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
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Chisari CG, Guadagno J, Adjamian P, Vila Silvan C, Greco T, Bagul M, Patti F. A post hoc evaluation of the shift in spasticity category in individuals with multiple sclerosis-related spasticity treated with nabiximols. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231195513. [PMID: 37745913 PMCID: PMC10515604 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231195513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Over 80% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience MS-associated spasticity (MSS). In many European countries, after failure of first-line treatments, moderate or severe MSS can be treated with nabiximols, a cannabis-based add-on treatment. Objective This post hoc analysis assessed the shift of participants treated with nabiximols from higher (severe or moderate) to lower (moderate or mild/none) spasticity. Methods Previously published data from two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), GWSP0604 (NCT00681538) and SAVANT (EudraCT2015-004451-40), and one large real-world study (consistent with EU label), all enriched for responders, were re-analysed. Spasticity severity, measured using the 0-10 numerical rating scale (spasticity NRS), was categorised as none/mild (score <4), moderate (score ⩾4-7), or severe (score ⩾7). Results In the two RCTs, the shift of participants with severe MSS into a lower category was significantly greater at week 12 for those receiving nabiximols versus placebo [GWSP0604: OR (95% CI), 4.4 (1.4, 14.2), p = 0.0125; SAVANT: 5.2 (1.2, 22.3), p = 0.0267]. In all three studies, over 80% of assessed patients with severe spasticity at baseline reported a shift into a lower category of spasticity after 12 weeks. Conclusions A meaningful proportion of MSS patients treated with nabiximols shifted to a lower category of spasticity severity, typically maintained to the end of the 12-week study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Grazia Chisari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Joe Guadagno
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Peyman Adjamian
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, UK
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Teresa Greco
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals – Gentium Srl, Villa Guardia, Italy
| | - Makarand Bagul
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, UK
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Catania Italy
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Alami Marrouni K, Duquette P. Clinical insights on the spasticity-plus syndrome in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:958665. [PMID: 35989901 PMCID: PMC9390998 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.958665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kanza Alami Marrouni
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Duquette
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Pierre Duquette
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Activating cannabinoid receptor 2 preserves axonal health through GSK-3β/NRF2 axis in adrenoleukodystrophy. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 144:241-258. [PMID: 35778568 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant endocannabinoid signaling accompanies several neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Here, we report altered endocannabinoid signaling in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare neurometabolic demyelinating syndrome caused by malfunction of the peroxisomal ABCD1 transporter, resulting in the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). We found abnormal levels of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) and related endocannabinoid enzymes in the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of X-ALD patients and in the spinal cord of a murine model of X-ALD. Preclinical treatment with a selective agonist of CB2r (JWH133) halted axonal degeneration and associated locomotor deficits, along with normalization of microgliosis. Moreover, the drug improved the main metabolic disturbances underlying this model, particularly in redox and lipid homeostatic pathways, including increased lipid droplets in motor neurons, through the modulation of the GSK-3β/NRF2 axis. JWH133 inhibited Reactive Oxygen Species elicited by excess VLCFAs in primary microglial cultures of Abcd1-null mice. Furthermore, we uncovered intertwined redox and CB2r signaling in the murine spinal cords and in patient PBMC samples obtained from a phase II clinical trial with antioxidants (NCT01495260). These findings highlight CB2r signaling as a potential therapeutic target for X-ALD and perhaps other neurodegenerative disorders that present with dysregulated redox and lipid homeostasis.
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Patti F, Chisari CG, Fernández Ó, Sarroca J, Ferrer-Picón E, Hernández Vicente F, Vila Silván C. A real-world evidence study of nabiximols in multiple sclerosis patients with resistant spasticity: analysis in relation to the newly-described 'Spasticity-Plus syndrome'. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2744-2753. [PMID: 35590453 PMCID: PMC9539865 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Nabiximols is a therapeutic option for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity whose symptoms are poorly controlled by conventional oral first‐line medications. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in spasticity severity (measured on the 0–10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) and the presence of associated symptoms in patients treated with nabiximols, and to investigate the presence of the newly described ‘spasticity‐plus syndrome’. Methods We analyzed real‐world data from the Italian Medicines Agency e‐Registry on 1138 patients with MS spasticity who began treatment with nabiximols. Evaluation time points were baseline, 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment start. Results Common symptoms associated with MS spasticity in this cohort were pain (38.4% at baseline), sleep disturbances (32.7%), and spasms/cramps (28.5%). Pain was frequently clustered with sleep disturbances (57.2% of pain cases) and spasms/cramps (43.9%). Approximately one‐third of patients with data at all evaluation time points maintained treatment at 18 months. Nabiximols reduced the baseline mean spasticity 0–10 NRS score by 24.6% at Week 4, and by 33.9% at 18 months in treatment continuers. Nabiximols resolved a range of MS spasticity‐associated symptoms at Week 4, and after 18 months in treatment continuers. Conclusion This real‐world analysis supports the concept of a spasticity‐plus syndrome and suggests that nabiximols can favorably impact a range of spasticity‐associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Patti
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Óscar Fernández
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), Regional University Hospital and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Spain
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Carod Artal FJ, Adjamian P, Vila Silván C, Bagul M, Gasperini C. A systematic review of European regional and national guidelines: a focus on the recommended use of nabiximols in the management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:499-511. [PMID: 35582858 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2075263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spasticity is a common, debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) with several treatment options including the cannabinoid-based treatment, nabiximols. The purpose of this review was to examine the existing clinical practice guidelines that direct the management of multiple-sclerosis-associated spasticity (MSS), to identify areas of similarity and divergence, and suggest where standardization and improvement may be obtained. AREAS COVERED Published literature (PubMed), websites of relevant European medical associations and Health Technology Assessment bodies, were systematically searched to identify guidelines describing the pharmacological management of MSS, focussing on European countries where nabiximols (Sativex® oromucosal spray) is approved. Sixteen publicly available guidelines were identified. Analysis was focused on, but not restricted to the use of nabiximols in the wider context of the pharmacological treatment of MSS. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY We believe that currently MSS is insufficiently treated and this would be improved if a clear and detailed set of guidelines were available and implemented in daily practice. We would welcome the update and amalgamation of the existing guidelines by an international panel, using an evidence-based approach, into a single guideline more detailed and standardized in its approach to the initiation, monitoring and optimization of anti-spasticity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peyman Adjamian
- GW Pharmaceuticals LTD, part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Makarand Bagul
- GW Pharmaceuticals LTD, part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, S Camillo Forlanini Hospital of Rome, Italy
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Chan A, Silván CV. Evidence-based management of multiple sclerosis spasticity with nabiximols oromucosal spray in clinical practice: a 10-year recap. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:141-154. [PMID: 35377770 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective symptomatic management of multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity remains an unmet need for many patients. The second-line option nabiximols is the most widely investigated of the noninvasive antispasticity medications in this patient population. Clinical evidence accumulated with nabiximols since it was first approved in Europe in 2010 suggests that about 40% of initial responders (i.e., those with ≥20% improvement in their baseline 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale score) may expect to achieve clinically meaningful (≥30% Numerical Rating Scale response) and durable symptomatic improvement in MS spasticity. During 10 years' routine use of nabiximols, no new safety signals have emerged. Nabiximols-associated improvement in MS spasticity-related symptoms such as pain and sleep disruption suggests a need to track possible therapeutic effects beyond muscle tone control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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