Effect of Dalfampridine in Patients With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Effect of Dalfampridine in Patients With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

There are limited but encouraging results supporting the use of dalfampridine in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The investigators aimed to investigate the effects of dalfampridine on walking speed, muscle length, spasticity, functional strength, and functional mobility in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia. In this triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 4 patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia received dalfampridine (10 mg twice daily) plus physiotherapy (2 times per week), and 4 patients received placebo plus physiotherapy for a total duration of 8 weeks. The assessor and treating physiotherapists, and patients were masked to the group allocation. The primary outcome was Timed 25-foot Walk Test at the end of the 8-week treatment. The secondary outcome measures were functional mobility, functional muscle strength, muscle length, and spasticity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia at least 1 year ago

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having another neurological disorder
• An orthopedic deformity in the lower extremity
• Having a serious cognitive impairment