Article (Scientific journals)
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thioctic acid in migraine prophylaxis
Magis, Delphine; Ambrosini, Anna; Sandor, Peter et al.
2007In Headache, 47 (1), p. 52-57
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Keywords :
migraine prophylaxis; mitochondria; energy metabolism; thioctic acid
Abstract :
[en] BACKGROUND: Impaired mitochondrial phosphorylation potential may play a role in migraine pathogenesis. Metabolic enhancers, such as riboflavin or coenzyme Q, are effective in migraine prophylaxis and quasi-devoid of adverse effects. Thioctic acid (-lipoic acid) is another substance known to enhance energy metabolism in mitochondria and to be beneficial in diabetic neuropathy. OBJECTIVE: After an open pilot study suggesting its therapeutic antimigraine potentials, we embarked therefore in a randomized controlled trial of thioctic acid (Thioctacid) in migraine prophylaxis steered by the Belgian Headache Society. METHODS: Five Belgian centers recruited 54 migraineurs (43 migraine without aura, 11 with aura; mean age 38 +/- 8 years; 7 males). After a 1-month single-blinded run-in period, 44 patients received either placebo (n = 18) or thioctic acid 600 mg p.o./day (n = 26) for 3 months. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. Monthly attack frequency tended to be reduced between run-in and the 3rd month of treatment in the thioctic acid group compared to placebo (P= .06). The proportion of 50% responders was not significantly different between thioctic acid (30.8%) and placebo (27.8%). Within-group analyses showed a significant reduction of attack frequency (P= .005), headache days (P= .009), and headache severity (P= .03) in patients treated with thioctic acid for 3 months, while these outcome measures remained unchanged in the placebo group. No adverse effects were reported. For logistical reasons this trial was interrupted before the planned 80 patients were enrolled. CONCLUSION: Albeit underpowered, this study tends to indicate that thioctic acid may be beneficial in migraine prophylaxis. Before any firm conclusion can be drawn, however, a large multicenter trial is necessary.
Disciplines :
Neurology
Author, co-author :
Magis, Delphine ;  Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Neurologie Sart Tilman
Ambrosini, Anna
Sandor, Peter
Jacquy, Jean Jacquy
Laloux, Patrice
Schoenen, Jean  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Neuro-anatomie
Language :
English
Title :
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thioctic acid in migraine prophylaxis
Publication date :
January 2007
Journal title :
Headache
ISSN :
0017-8748
eISSN :
1526-4610
Publisher :
Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, United Kingdom
Volume :
47
Issue :
1
Pages :
52-57
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 28 January 2009

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