Early initiation of riluzole may improve absolute survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction/aims

Riluzole improves survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but optimal time and duration of treatment are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine if timing of riluzole initiation and duration of treatment modified its effect on survival.

Methods

Patients from the PRO-ACT dataset with information on ALS Functional Rating Scale, time from onset to enrollment (TFOE), and riluzole use were selected for analysis. Survival from enrollment was the outcome. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were examined for interactions between riluzole and TFOE. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to assess average treatment effect.

Results

Of 4778 patients, 3446 (72.1%) had received riluzole. In unadjusted analyses, riluzole

SUBMITTER: Thakore NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9828202 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature