Are cannabinoids effective in multiple sclerosis?

Meza et al. ·Medwave Impact 0.3

No benefit demonstrated GRADE High 9 citations

Samplek = 26 Studien

Durationunclear

ControlPlacebo

EndpointSpasticity

Blindingunklar

DesignMeta-Analyse

Key finding

Cannabinoids do not reduce spasticity or pain in multiple sclerosis and are likely associated with frequent side effects.

Summary

Systematic review on cannabinoids in MS across k=26 RCTs (from 25 SRs); meta-analysis shows NO significant reduction of spasticity or pain; frequent adverse effects likely. GRADE evidence synthesis with negative overall finding.

PopulationPeople with multiple sclerosis – pooled data from 26 randomized trials

InterventionCannabinoids (various substances/applications)

ControlPlacebo

OutcomeNo significant benefit for spasticity or pain; frequent adverse effects likely

Confidence in the evidence

High

The highest of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is very reliable.

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding —

Effect size No benefit

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Meza R, Peña J, García K et al.

DOI 10.5867/medwave.2017.6865↗

Design: Meta-Analyse

Abstract

Multiple beneficial effects have been proposed lately for cannabinoids in different clinical situations. Among them, it has been postulated they would control symptoms of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no consensus about their real clinical role. To answer this question, we searched in Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by screening multiple databases. We identified 25 systematic reviews including 35 studies overall, of which 26 were randomized trials. We extracted data, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. We concluded cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis do not reduce spasticity or pain, and are probably associated to frequent adverse effects.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius