Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To test whether cannabinoids reduce urge incontinence episodes without affecting voiding in patients with multiple sclerosis. This was part of the multicentre trial of the Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) study.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The CAMS study randomised 630 patients to receive oral administration of cannabis extract, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or matched placebo. For this substudy subjects completed incontinence diaries.
RESULTS
All three groups showed a significant reduction, p<0.01, in adjusted episode rate (i.e. correcting for baseline imbalance) from baseline to the end of treatment: cannabis extract, 38%; THC, 33%; and placebo, 18%. Both active treatments showed significant effects over placebo (cannabis extract, p=0.005; THC, p=0.039).
CONCLUSION
The findings are suggestive of a clinical effect of cannabis on incontinence episodes in patients with MS. This is in contrast to the negative finding of the CAMS study, where no difference was seen in the primary outcome of spasticity.

Authors

Freeman RM, Adekanmi O, Waterfield MR, Waterfield AE, Wright D, Zajicek J

Institution

Urogynaecology Unit, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, UK. robert.freeman@phnt.swest.nhs.uk

Source

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction 17:6 2006 Nov pg 636-41

MeSH

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
Cannabidiol
Cannabinoids
Comorbidity
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Multiple Sclerosis
Quality of Life
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Urinary Incontinence, Urge
Urination
Urodynamics

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Multicenter Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

16552618