title: 4-aminopyridine in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. Long-term efficacy and safety.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the long-term efficacy and safety of 4-aminopyridine in patients with multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series, follow-up varying from 6 to 32 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  University referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one patients with definite MS, 23 of them being exposed to long-term administration (6 to 32 months) of 4-aminopyridine, since they showed a favorable initial response to the drug.
  
  
  METHODS
  Long-term oral treatment with 4-aminopyridine in daily doses of up to 0.5 mg/kg of body weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  Neurologic functions and symptoms as reported by the patients; side effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty of 23 patients who showed a favorable initial response benefited from long-term administration. Ambulation and fatigue (each in 13 patients) and visual function (in five patients) were most frequently reported to be improved. Three major side effects did occur during a follow-up of 406 patient months: a generalized epileptic seizure in two patients and hepatitis in one.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although a substantial proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis seem to benefit from long-term administration of 4-aminopyridine, additional studies are needed to clarify the exact value of the drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Polman
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bertelsmann
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: van Loenen
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Koetsier
mesh_terms: D015761:4-Aminopyridine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D015761:4-Aminopyridine