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Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of piracetam on breath-holding spells
1Department of Pediatrics, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. happy7_kd@yahoo.com
Insights
Piracetam effectively reduces breath-holding spells (BHS) in children. This study found piracetam to be a safe and effective treatment, significantly decreasing the frequency of these frightening, yet benign, childhood events.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Breath-holding spells (BHS) are common, frightening events in healthy children.
- Current treatment options for BHS are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of piracetam for treating breath-holding spells in children.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involving 40 children with BHS.
- Patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving piracetam, the other a placebo.
- Monthly follow-up for 4 months documented attack frequency before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Piracetam significantly reduced the median number of attacks per month compared to placebo (1 vs. 5, p<0.001).
- A notable decrease in attacks was observed after the first month of piracetam treatment (median 2 vs. 5).
- No adverse side effects were reported with piracetam use.
Conclusions:
- Piracetam is a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing breath-holding spells in pediatric patients.
- The drug demonstrated a significant reduction in BHS frequency without reported side effects.
Abstract:
Breath-holding spells (BHS) are apparently frightening events occurring in otherwise healthy children.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of piracetam in the treatment of breath-holding spells. Forty patients with BHS (who were classified into two groups)were involved in a double-blinded placebo-controlled prospective study. Piracetam was given to group A while group B received placebo. Patients were followed monthly for a total period of 4 months. The numbers of attacks/month before and monthly after treatment were documented, and the overall number of attacks/month after treatment was calculated in both groups. The median number of attacks/month before treatment in the two groups was 5.5 and 5,respectively, while after the first month of treatment, it was 2 and 5, respectively. The median overall number of attacks/month after treatment in both groups was 1 and 5, respectively.There was a significant decline of number of attacks after piracetam treatment compared to placebo (p value<0.001). There were no reported side effects of the piracetam throughout the study period. In conclusion, piracetam is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of breath-holding spells in children.
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