Sumatriptan as a treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome: a clinical trial.

Author(s): Hikita T, Kodama H, Kaneko S, Amakata K, Ogita K, Mochizuki D, Kaga F, Nakamoto N, Fujii Y, Kikuchi A

Affiliation(s): Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Japan. t-hikita@ra2.so-net.ne.jp

Publication date & source: 2011-03, Cephalalgia., 31(4):504-7. Epub 2010 Dec 8.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is associated with migraine. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sumatriptan in treating CVS. METHODS: Twelve patients were enrolled in this trial. Sumatriptan was administered either subcutaneously [(age x 4 + 20)/100 x 3 mg] or by nasal spray (NS; 20 mg). Response to the treatment was classified as complete, effective, or noneffective. RESULTS: Eleven patients, who presented with 35 attacks, were treated by subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan. The treatment was responsive in 19 attacks. The efficacy of sumatriptan was high in attacks that occurred in cases with a family history of migraine compared to those without (p = .0482). Five patients were treated with sumatriptan NS for six attacks. The treatment was completely responsive in two of six attacks. We observed no adverse effects associated with sumatriptan treatment in this trial. CONCLUSION: We conclude that sumatriptan has potential efficacy in treating of patients with CVS.