Clinical Trial Nuedexta in Subjects With ALS

The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). [Range of score: 21-105]

The scale was modeled on the Center for Neurologic Study Emotional Lability Scale (CNS-LS) that has been a robust endpoint in four clinical trials. The scale was validated in a large population of ALS patients (n=122) and detects impaired bulbar function at a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 0.97%. Test re-test correlation was 0.92% at six-months (n=53).

The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the salivation (sialorrhea). There are 7 salivation (sialorrhea) questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.

The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the speech. There are 7 speech questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.

The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the swallowing. There are 7 swallowing questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.

The Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale (CNS-LS) is a 7-item self report scale that assesses pseudobulbar affect (PBA) by measuring the perceived frequency of PBA episodes (laughing or crying). Each item is scored using a 5-point Likert scale, from 1 (applies never) to 5 (applies most of the time). Scores range from 5-35. The higher the score, the worse the PBA.

The ALSFRS-R is a quickly administered (5 min) ordinal rating scale used to determine a subject's assessment of their capability and independence in 12 functional activities. There are 12 questions, graded by the subject 0-4 (4 is normal). Score of 0 (worst) to 48 (best). Reflects speech and swallowing, fine motor skills, large motor skills, and breathing.

Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.

This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.

Subjects will be asked to read 'The Rainbow Passage' a commonly used test paragraph utilized by speech pathologists to assess speech rate (words/minute). Study staff will time the subject to determine how many words the subject reads per minute. It is used primarily because it contains every sound in the English language. Subjects will also be observed for loudness, nasality, and intelligibility.

The Water Swallowing Test (WST) estimates swallowing speed, a useful and reproducible measure. While sitting, subjects are asked to drink 30 milliliters (mL) of liquid. The time for subjects to complete this task is a sensitive measure for the detection of swallowing dysfunction and is a simple measure for serial assessment of subjects. The test will be completed three times, with the best two scores recorded to obtain an average score. Following completion of the WST, the subject's swallowing abilities (choking, spillage, and effort) will be observed.

Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.

Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.

The Time Swallowing Test assesses the subject's ability to swallow solids. For this test, the subject will be asked to consume a tablespoon of cereal containing 5 cheerios. The subject will be instructed to close their mouth, chew and subsequently swallow the bolus. The time to complete this task will be recorded. The test will be completed three times to obtain an average score.

This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.

This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.

This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.