Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of piracetam on breath-holding spells.
Breath-holding spells (BHS) are apparently frightening events occurring in otherwise healthy children.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of piracetam in the treatment of breath-holding spells. Forty patients with BHS (who were classified into two groups)were involved in a double-blinded placebo-controlled prospective study. Piracetam was given to group A while group B received placebo. Patients were followed monthly for a total period of 4 months. The numbers of attacks/month before and monthly after treatment were documented, and the overall number of attacks/month after treatment was calculated in both groups. The median number of attacks/month before treatment in the two groups was 5.5 and 5,respectively, while after the first month of treatment, it was 2 and 5, respectively. The median overall number of attacks/month after treatment in both groups was 1 and 5, respectively.There was a significant decline of number of attacks after piracetam treatment compared to placebo (p value<0.001). There were no reported side effects of the piracetam throughout the study period. In conclusion, piracetam is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of breath-holding spells in children.
Department of Pediatrics, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. happy7_kd@yahoo.com
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Sawires
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D001049:Apnea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013575:Syncope / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010889:Piracetam