Riluzole for motor neurone disease
Booth-Clibborn N, Best L, Stein K
Record ID 31998008891
English
Authors' objectives:
The authors investigate whether patients with early or newly-diagnosed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) should be offered riluzole. There are no existing therapeutic drugs available for these patients.
Authors' results and conclusions:
At 18 months riluzole appears to reduce the risk of death or increase the time to tracheostomy in patients with early ALS compared with patients given placebo (NNT of 6). The drug does not improve or significantly slow deterioration in functional status. There are no benefits in survival or functional status in late-stage patients.
Authors' recommendations:
The authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence upon which to make a judgement on the benefits of riluzole treatment. Data are limited as the duration of the delay of endpoint and the quality of life during this period are unknown. Riluzole is an encouraging development, but placebo-controlled trials have not demonstrated that it produces significant functional improvements.
Authors' methods:
Review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk
Year Published:
1997
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
England
MeSH Terms
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Motor Neuron Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Thiazoles
Contact
Organisation Name:
Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development
Contact Address:
Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662
Copyright:
Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)
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