Utility of combinative therapy with edaravone intravenous infusion and rehabilitation in ALS

Abstract

Introduction :

The effect of rehabilitation on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is controversial. Therefore, we performed a combinative therapy with edaravone intravenous infusion and rehabilitation in patients with ALS, and evaluated the outcome of the treatment.

Method :

ALS patients with impaired functions of upper limb (n＝5) received the 6 courses of edaravone intravenous infusion for 2 weeks. During treatment with edaravone, the patients also underwent the rehabilitation. We measured the grip strength, pinch strength and Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) of patients, and determined the effect of the treatment. The gait function was evaluated using Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in the cases who can perform walking.

Result :

Treatment with edaravone infusion and rehabilitation improved some scores. Especially the improvement of grip strength was observed in 4 cases and that of STEF score in 2 cases, showing that functions of upper limb was ameliorated. Furthermore, the walking speed of a patient was increased by using lower extremity orthosis.

Conclusion :

The upper limb function of the ALS patients may be improved by the combinative therapy with edaravone intravenous infusion and rehabilitation.