Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – Related resources

Cochrane reviews

• Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I may slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease but the evidence is very limited and the clinical significance of the effect is uncertain . Neither branch-chained amino acids (BCAA) nor L-threonine have any beneficial effects in ALS .
The evidence is insufficient to determine whether individualized moderate intensity endurance type exercises for the trunk and limbs are beneficial or harmful for spasticity in motor neuron disease .
• There is insufficient evidence of efficacy of individual antioxidants, or antioxidants in general, in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .
• Strengthening exercises may improve function in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .
• The treatment response in patients with familial and sporadic forms of ALS seems not to be different, but the evidence is insufficient .
• Creatine appears not to improve survival or slow progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .
• There is no evidence to support the use of any treatment for muscle cramps in ALS .
• Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) appears not to be effective for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .

Other Internet resources

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Orphanet ORPHA803

Literature

• Andersen PM, Borasio GD, Dengler R et al; EALSC Working Group. Good practice in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical guidelines. An evidence-based review with good practice points. EALSC Working Group. Amyotroph Lateral Scler 2007 Aug;8(4):195-213.
• Andrews J. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical management and research update. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2009 Jan;9(1):59-68.