Effects of Creatine on ALS Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Jeffrey Rosenfeld, Ruth M. King, Carlayne E. Jackson, Richard S. Bedlack, Richard J. Barohn, Arthur Dick, Lawrence H. Phillips, John Chapin, Deborah F. Gelinas, Jau-Shin Lou
Primary Institution: The Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS Center
Hypothesis
The study aimed to determine the effect of creatine monohydrate on disease progression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Conclusion
Creatine monohydrate did not show significant benefits on disease progression markers in ALS patients over nine months.
Supporting Evidence
- Creatine did not significantly improve motor, respiratory, or functional capacity in ALS patients.
- The drug was well tolerated with no significant adverse events reported.
- A trend toward improved survival was noted but did not reach statistical significance.
Takeaway
The study tested if a supplement called creatine could help people with ALS feel stronger or less tired, but it didn't really help.
Methodology
This was a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 107 ALS patients randomized to receive either creatine or placebo for nine months.
Limitations
The study was not powered specifically for survival analysis and did not use forced vital capacity as an eligibility criterion.
Participant Demographics
107 patients, 62 males and 45 females, aged 21 to 80 years, with ALS duration of less than five years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.3
Statistical Significance
p>0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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