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Neurological Sciences

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01-10-2021 | Cluster Headache | Original Article

A retrospective observation on 105 patients with chronic cluster headache receiving indomethacin

Authors: Anaé Monta, Sylvain Redon, Cyprien Fabre, Anne Donnet

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 10/2021

Abstract

Background

Indomethacin (IMC) as a prophylactic treatment is considered to be ineffective in cluster headache (CH). However, small series suggested the interest of IMC in CH. Some authors support that an IMC test is useful in all trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. We described clinical features of IMC responders in a retrospective cohort of chronic cluster headache (CCH).

Methods

This single-center and retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care specialist headache center in France. Patients were selected between January 2007 and December 2008. We included all patients fulfilling CCH criteria (ICHD-3-beta). Data were collected from medical records. We recorded all the prescriptions of IMC as a prophylactic treatment. Responders were defined by 50% reduction in attack frequency; complete response was defined by disappearance of the attacks. The non-responders must have received at least 100 mg daily during 7 days.

Results

The study consisted of 324 CCH, 121 female (37%) and 203 males (63%) with an average age at onset of 33.93 (± 14.71) years. Of the patients, 105 were treated with IMC. Thirty patients (29%) were responders. Thirty-four patients (32%) were non-responders. Responding status was undefined for 41 patients (39%). Twelve patients (11%) had a complete response. Responders were composed by 18 women (60%) and 12 men (40%) and had on average 44.89 (± 12.88) years. The minimal effective dose was 86.11 mg daily (± 48.72).

Discussion

This study shows the interest of IMC in CCH patients. We recommend an IMC test as a third-line treatment in CCH.

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Title: A retrospective observation on 105 patients with chronic cluster headache receiving indomethacin
Authors: Anaé Monta
Sylvain Redon
Cyprien Fabre
Anne Donnet
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Cluster Headache
Indomethacin
Verapamil
Headache
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 10/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05114-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A retrospective observation on 105 patients with chronic cluster headache receiving indomethacin

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

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