ICS: Cannabinoids Improve Urge Continence in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

August 30, 2004

" ICS: Cannabinoids Improve Urge Continence in Patients With Multiple

Sclerosis "

By Jill Stein PARIS, FRANCE -- August 27, 2004 -- Treatment with

cannabinoids may help prevent episodes of urge incontinence in

patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers report.

Freeman, MD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Urogynaecology

Unit, Directorate of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Derriford Hospital,

Plymouth, United Kingdom, presented these findings here on August

27[th at the Joint Meeting of the International Continence Society and

the International UroGynecological Association.

With co-workers, Dr. Freeman examined the effects of cannabinoids on

episodes of urge incontinence in 657 patients with stable MS and

muscle spasticity who had been enrolled in the Cannabinoids in

Multiple Sclerosis study. Patients were randomised to15 weeks of

treatment with oral cannabis extract, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol

(Delta9-THC) or placebo.

In a substudy, patients completed urinary incontinence diaries and

quality of life questionnaires. Forty-two of the patients also

underwent urodynamic studies and urinary pad tests.

The substudy was prompted by anecdotal reports, which found that

cannabinoids have a potentially favourable effect on urinary tract

symptoms in people with MS, Dr. Freeman noted. In one study of 112 MS

patients who smoked cannabis, more than 50% claimed to have an

improvement in urinary urgency. Also, in a pilot study of cannabinoids

in patients with MS, significant improvements were seen in lower

urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic parameters, he said.

Results revealed a 38% decrease in the frequency of urge incontinence

episodes from baseline (the primary outcome measure) in the cannabis

extract group, a 33% decrease in the Delta9-THC group, and an 18%

decrease in the placebo group (P <.03), Dr. Freeman reported.

While none of the treatments had an effect on quality of life or

urodynamic outcomes, the cannabinoid groups had a mean decrease of

43.88 mL on the urinary pad test compared with a mean increase of 8.27

mL in the placebo group (P =.01). " The decrease in the 24- hour pad

test can be regarded as validating the diary data for urge

incontinence episodes, " Dr. Freeman said.

Based on the results, he said that " there is probably a place for

cannabinoids in the treatment of urge incontinence in MS patients, "

but further studies are needed to corroborate the findings.

Cannabis has been used medicinally for over 2000 years and was

available for medical use in the UK until 1971 when it was

reclassified as a " schedule 1 drug, " meaning that it has no medical

value. Medical uses have included the relief of pain, cramps, nausea,

and seizures.

The study was funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland.

[Abstract title: " The Effect of Cannabinoids on Lower Urinary Tract

Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial

(Cams-Luts Study). " Abstract 149]

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August 30, 2004

I for one can verify the studies findings. I Canada about 700 have been

granted a licsence to posses or grow marijuana for medicinal purposes. I

was granted a licence to posses which requires yearly renewal. Because of

the costs (Dr fee for filling out form) and hassle getting to Dr to fill out

the form I will remain on the wrong side of the law, and continue to smoke

it using discretion to go undetected. Laws being in limbo regarding its use

now here I should be ok

----- Original Message -----

From: " rosemist50 " <markhgailf@...>

Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 2:35 PM

Subject: [low dose naltrexone] ICS: Cannabinoids Improve Urge Continence in

Patients With Multiple Sclerosis