SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Efficacy of Dihydroergotamine on Headache Alleviation in Children With Migraine Headache

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This single-center retrospective study examined whether intravenous dihydroergotamine (DHE) helps relieve migraine pain in children who do not respond to oral medications. Researchers reviewed charts of patients aged 6 to 18 years discharged between 2010 and 2018 with a primary diagnosis of migraine headache. Children with infection, complex care needs, or missing pain score/DHE dosing data were excluded. Pain was measured using a 0–10 self-reported scale, with up to 10 DHE doses per patient.<br /><br />Of 1,239 children identified, 772 received DHE and 573 met study criteria. Most were female, white, and non-Hispanic, with a mean age of 13.7 years. Average pain scores decreased from 6.05 before the first DHE dose to 4.05 after interval doses and to 2.04 after the final dose. The decrease in pain was statistically significant, and improvement was seen after a single dose, with further improvement after additional doses. However, 25% of patients did not improve after the final dose.<br /><br />The findings suggest that DHE is effective for reducing migraine pain in hospitalized children and that repeated dosing may provide added benefit. The results are consistent with adult studies. Limitations include the retrospective design, single-center setting, and incomplete data for some patients. The authors conclude that DHE appears useful for pediatric intractable migraine, but further research is needed to determine the best dose and treatment regimen.

Asset Subtitle

Sandra L. Gage

Meta Tag

Author List Charlotte Bolch, Maheshwor Kafle, Sandra L. Gage

Category Research

Concept Dihydroergotamine

Concept Intractable Migraine

Concept Retrospective Chart Review

Concept Pain Score

Concept Pain Improvement

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Sandra L. Gage

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric migraine

dihydroergotamine

intravenous DHE

hospitalized children

pain reduction

intractable migraine

retrospective study

migraine treatment

dose response

self-reported pain score

Dihydroergotamine

Intractable Migraine

Retrospective Chart Review

Pain Score

Pain Improvement