Study register · detailRandomized Controlled Trial, Multicenter Study · Multiple Sclerosis · 2006
The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled trial (CAMS-LUTS).
Freeman et al.·International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunctionImpact 1.4
Clear benefitGRADEHigh207 citations
Samplen = 630 Pat.
Durationunclear
ControlPlacebo
EndpointIncontinence episodes
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignRandomized Controlled Trial, Multicenter Study
Cannabinoidkombination
Routeoral
”Key finding
Cannabis extract and THC showed significant reductions in urge incontinence episodes compared to placebo (38% and 33% vs. 18% reduction, respectively), with p-values of 0,005 and 0,039, respectively.
Summary
Multicentre RCT (CAMS-LUTS, n=630 MS patients): Cannabis extract reduced urge incontinence episodes by 38 % (vs. 18 % placebo, p=0,005); THC by 33 % (p=0,039). Both cannabinoids showed significant superiority over placebo.
P
PopulationAdults with multiple sclerosis and urge incontinence, n=630 (substudy of the CAMS trial)
I
InterventionOral cannabis extract or delta-9-THC (oral)
C
ControlPlacebo (oral, matched)
O
OutcomeSignificant reduction in incontinence episodes with cannabis extract (−38%, p=0,005) and THC (−33%, p=0,039) vs. placebo (−18%)
Confidence in the evidence
Very lowLowModerateHigh
High
The highest of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is very reliable.
Design: Randomized Controlled Trial, Multicenter Study
Share
Abstract
To test whether cannabinoids reduce urge incontinence episodes without affecting voiding in patients with multiple sclerosis. This was part of the multicentre trial of the Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) study. The CAMS study randomised 630 patients to receive oral administration of cannabis extract, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or matched placebo. For this substudy subjects completed incontinence diaries. All three groups showed a significant reduction, p<0.01, in adjusted episode rate (i.e. correcting for baseline imbalance) from baseline to the end of treatment: cannabis extract, 38%; THC, 33%; and placebo, 18%. Both active treatments showed significant effects over placebo (cannabis extract, p=0.005; THC, p=0.039). The findings are suggestive of a clinical effect of cannabis on incontinence episodes in patients with MS. This is in contrast to the negative finding of the CAMS study, where no difference was seen in the primary outcome of spasticity.