Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Riluzole (2-amin-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole).
Participants included in the review
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
For efficacy, the primary outcomes mentioned in the trials include time to tracheostomy, death and functional status (measured on a 4 point scale incorporating scores for limb function, bulbar function, patient symptom reports, and clinical examination). Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, respiratory function, Clinical Global Impression of Change scale scores, patient's evaluation of symptoms, and visual analogue scales assessing fasciculations, tiredness, stiffness and cramping.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.