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Published on: June 2, 2014
Parental satisfaction with sumatriptan nasal spray in childhood migraine
Ann Pakalnis1, Donna Kring, Juliann Paolicchi
1Department of Neurology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. pakalnisa@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu
Insights
Sumatriptan nasal spray effectively relieved migraine headaches in 77% of pediatric patients aged 5-12 years. This study highlights its potential as a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for childhood migraines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine headaches are a common neurological issue in children.
- The effectiveness of triptans, like sumatriptan, is well-established in adults but less documented in pediatric populations.
- Sumatriptan nasal spray is often used in pediatric patients who have not responded to over-the-counter medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan nasal spray for acute migraine attacks in children aged 5 to 12 years.
- To assess the response rate of pediatric migraine patients treated with sumatriptan nasal spray.
- To provide data on sumatriptan nasal spray use in a pediatric headache clinic population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (5-12 years) with migraine headaches treated with sumatriptan nasal spray.
- Standardized questionnaire administered to parents/guardians regarding their child's response to the treatment.
- Analysis of patient data from a headache clinic population.
Main Results:
- Out of 100 identified patients, 57 families completed the questionnaire.
- 44 out of 57 families (77%) reported good to excellent relief of migraine attacks with sumatriptan nasal spray.
- Sumatriptan nasal spray was found to be effective and well-tolerated in this pediatric cohort.
Conclusions:
- Sumatriptan nasal spray demonstrates significant efficacy in treating acute migraine attacks in children aged 5 to 12 years.
- The nasal spray formulation is a viable and well-tolerated abortive therapy option for pediatric migraine.
- Further research may support FDA approval for triptan use in younger age groups for migraine management.
Abstract:
Migraine headaches are a frequently encountered neurologic problem in children. The utility of the triptans has not been as clearly documented in this population, although it is well delineated in acute migraine attacks in adults. We conducted a retrospective chart review of our experience with using sumatriptan nasal spray in children aged 5 to 12 years from our headache clinic population with migraine headaches. The nasal spray formulation is used frequently in our clinic population with patients who have failed over-the-counter therapy with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. None of the triptans are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in children or adolescents (12 years and older). One hundred of these patients were identified, and their parents or guardians completed a standardized questionnaire regarding their child's response to sumatriptan nasal spray in acute migraine. Fifty-seven of 100 families completed the questionnaire, and 44 of 57 families (77%) reported good to excellent relief of their child's migraine attacks with sumatriptan nasal spray. In our cohort of pediatric patients, sumatriptan nasal spray was effective and well tolerated when used for abortive therapy of acute migraine attacks.
