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Comparison of propranolol and pregabalin for prophylaxis of childhood migraine: a randomised controlled trial
MohammadKazem Bakhshandeh Bali1, Ali Akbar Rahbarimanesh1, Manelie Sadeghi2
1Bahrami Children Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Dr.mkbakhshandehbali@yahoo.com.
Insights
Pregabalin significantly reduced monthly headache frequency in children compared to Propranolol. This study highlights pregabalin as a potentially more effective option for pediatric migraine prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine affects 5-10% of children and adolescents.
- Severe migraine attacks lead to school absence and reduced quality of life, necessitating preventive therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of pregabalin versus propranolol for migraine prophylaxis in children.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 99 children aged 3-15 with diagnosed migraines.
- Participants were randomly assigned to receive either pregabalin (Group A) or propranolol (Group B) for at least 8 weeks.
- Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups.
Main Results:
- After 8 weeks, pregabalin reduced monthly headache frequency to 1.76±6.2, while propranolol reduced it to 3.34±5.95.
- A statistically significant difference in headache frequency reduction was observed between the two groups (P=0.04).
- Pregabalin demonstrated considerable efficacy in reducing pediatric migraine frequency and duration.
Conclusions:
- Pregabalin is a considerable option for reducing the frequency and duration of pediatric migraine headaches compared to propranolol.
- Further research may explore long-term safety and efficacy profiles.
Abstract:
Migraine involves 5-10% of children and adolescents. Thirty percent of children with severe migraine attacks have school absence and reduced quality of life that need preventive therapy. The purpose of this randomised control trial study is to compare the effectiveness, safety and the tolerability of pregabalin toward Propranolol in migraine prophylaxis of children. From May 2011 to October 2012, 99 children 3-15 years referred to the neurology clinic of Mofid Children's Hospital with a diagnosis of migraine enrolled the study. Patients randomly divided into two groups (A&B). We treated children of group A with capsule of pregabalin as children of group B with tablet of propranolol for at least 8 weeks. In this study, 99 patients were examined that 91 children reached the last stage. The group A consistsed of 46 patients, 12(26.1%) girls, 34 (73.9%) boys and the group B consisted of 45 patients, 14(31.1%) girls, 31 (68.9%) boys. Basis of age, gender, headache onset, headache frequency, migraine type, triggering and relieving factors there was no significant difference among these groups (P>0.05). After 4 and 8 weeks of Pregabalin usage monthly headache frequency decreased to 2.2±4.5 and 1.76±6.2 respectively. Propranolol reduced monthly headache frequency up to 3.73±6.11 and 3.34±5.95 later 4 and 8 weeks respectively. There was a significant difference between these two groups according to headache frequency reduction (P=0.04). Pregabalin efficacy in reducing the frequency and duration of pediatric migraine headache is considerable in comparison with propranolol.
