Multiple Sclerosis
Study register · detail Kohortenstudie · Multiple Sclerosis · 2016

Long-Term Data of Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability in a Real-Life Setting of THC/CBD Oromucosal Spray-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Clear benefit GRADE Low 22 citations
Samplen = 102 Pat.
Duration40 weeks
EndpointNRS
Blindingn.a.
DesignKohortenstudie
Cannabinoidkombination
THC:CBD1:1
Routeoromukosal
Key finding

Significant reduction in spasticity (NRS score by 2,5 ± 1,2 points, P < 0,0001) as well as improvement in pain and bladder function.

Summary

Real-world data n=102 MS patients with THC/CBD spray over 40 weeks; mean daily dose 6,5±1,6 sprays. Spasticity NRS decreased by 2,5±1,2 points (p<0,0001). Additional effects: NRS pain reduction (n=58, p=0,011) and IPSS bladder function improvement (n=46, p=0,001). Adverse events 40,2%, discontinuation rate 36,2%.

P
PopulationAdults with multiple sclerosis and spasticity, n=102, Italian postmarketing cohort
I
InterventionTHC/CBD oromucosal spray, average 6,5 ± 1,6 sprays/day as add-on therapy
O
OutcomeMean NRS spasticity reduction of 2,5 ± 1,2 points (p<0,0001); significant improvement in pain (p=0,011) and bladder dysfunction/IPSS (p=0,001); 36,2% treatment discontinuations; AE incidence 40,2%
Confidence in the evidence
Low

The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.

Quality profile
Sample size
Blinding
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year
Authors
Paolicelli D, Direnzo V, Manni A, D'Onghia M, Tortorella C, Zoccolella S, Di Lecce V, Iaffaldano A, Trojano M
DOI 10.1002/jcph.670
Design: Kohortenstudie
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Abstract
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray was approved as add-on therapy for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We show our 40-week postmarketing experience regarding efficacy and safety of THC/CBD spray in an Italian cohort of 102 MS patients. Patients were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for spasticity, the Ambulation Index (AI), and Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW) at the beginning of treatment and then every 3 months. After 4 weeks, if a clinically significant improvement in spasticity (at least 20% of baseline NRS score) was not seen, administration of the drug was stopped. In our cohort, patients received an average of 6.5 +/- 1.6 sprays each day. The mean reduction to the NRS spasticity score was 2.5 +/- 1.2 points (P < .0001). Thirty-seven patients (36.2%) discontinued the treatment. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was 40.2%. Fifty-eight patients (56.9%) were also assessed using the NRS for pain, and 46 patients (45.1%) with bladder dysfunction were assessed for the IPSS (International Prostatic Symptoms Score) score, showing a significant improvement in these scales (P = .011 and P = .001, respectively). In conclusion, treatment with THC/CBD spray appears to be a valid answer to some of the unmet needs in MS patients, such as spasticity and other refractory-to-treatment symptoms.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius