Beneficial effect of cyproheptadine on body mass index in undernourished children: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Undernutrition in children is a significant health concern.
• Cyproheptadine hydrochloride (CH) is an antihistamine with appetite-stimulating properties.
• The efficacy of CH in improving nutritional status in pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of cyproheptadine hydrochloride (CH) therapy on weight gain, linear growth, and body mass index in children experiencing mild to moderate undernutrition.
• To determine the role of CH as an appetite stimulant in pediatric undernutrition.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted with 77 children aged 24-64 months with undernutrition.
• Participants were allocated to receive either cyproheptadine with multivitamin or multivitamin alone for four weeks.
• Measurements of weight, height, and body mass index were taken at baseline, after four weeks of intervention, and four weeks post-discontinuation.

Main Results:

• Cyproheptadine treatment resulted in a significantly higher body mass index after eight weeks compared to the control group (P<0.041).
• Mean weight gain was substantially greater in the CH group (0.60 kg) versus the control group (0.11 kg) over eight weeks.
• No significant differences were found in weight and height velocity between the CH-treated and control groups by the study's end.

Conclusions:

• Cyproheptadine therapy effectively promotes an increase in body mass index in children suffering from mild to moderate undernutrition.
• The study suggests CH may be beneficial for improving BMI in undernourished children, though its effect on linear growth requires further study.