MS research update - 19 March 2010
- Glucosamine sulphate as an add-on therapy in MS investigated
- Study suggests sudden irreversible disability is rarely seen in relapsing remitting MS
Glucosamine sulphate as an add-on therapy in MS investigated
Glucosamine sulphate is a substance that is found in healthy cartilage. Recent research has suggested that it may be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis. This study investigated the effect of combining glucosamine sulphate with disease modifying drug therapy in preventing progression in relapsing remitting MS.
97 people currently receiving disease modifying drug therapy were randomly assigned to one of two groups - one to receive a 1000mg daily dose of glucosamine sulphate, the other to receive a placebo, for 6 months.
At the end of the study the average relapse rate of people receiving glucosamine sulphate had decreased while for those receiving placebo it had remained the same. 63% of people receiving glucosamine sulphate were relapse free during the study compared with 55% of the placebo group. Average EDSS scores at the end of the trial did not differ between the groups.
The study authors conclude that a larger study is necessary to explore the full potential of glucosamine sulphate as an add-on therapy in MS.
Shaygannejad V, Janghorbani M, Savoj MR, et al.
Effects of adjunct glucosamine sulfate on relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis progression: preliminary findings of a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Neurological research 2010; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Study suggests sudden irreversible disability is rarely seen in relapsing remitting MS
The majority of people with MS are diagnosed with the relapsing remitting form. This means they will have periods when symptoms flare up - a relapse - followed by periods of good or complete recovery - a remission. This study investigated how often people with relapsing remitting MS experienced relapses that left them with severe disability (defined as an EDSS score of 6 and above) for a period of 6 months or longer.
The study was based on analysis of the records of 1,078 people with relapsing remitting MS held by a US-based MS centre. Only 7 of these people had a relapse that resulted in sudden onset of severe disability from which they did not recover. There were no genetic or symptomatic variables that appeared to alter the risk of experiencing this type of relapse.
The study authors conclude that fear of sudden irreversible disability should not influence decisions about disease modifying drug treatments because such attacks are very rare and can occur whether or not people are receiving treatment with interferon beta.
Bejaoui K, Rolak LA
What is the risk of permanent disability from a multiple sclerosis relapse?
Neurology 2010; 74(11): 900-902.
Medline abstract