High degree of efficacy in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome with combined co-enzyme Q10, L-carnitine and amitriptyline, a case series.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), defined by recurrent stereotypical episodes of nausea and vomiting, is a relatively-common disabling and historically difficult-to-treat condition associated with migraine headache and mitochondrial dysfunction. Limited data suggests that the anti-migraine therapies amitriptyline and cyproheptadine, and the mitochondrial-targeted cofactors co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine, have efficacy in episode prophylaxis.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review of 42 patients seen by one clinician that met established CVS diagnostic criteria revealed 30 cases with available outcome data. Participants were treated on a loose protocol consisting of fasting avoidance, co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine, with the addition of amitriptyline (or cyproheptadine in those < 5 years) in refractory cases. Blood level monitoring of the therapeutic agents featured prominently in management.

RESULTS:

Vomiting episodes resolved in 23 cases, and improved by > 75% and > 50% in three and one additional case respectively. Among the three treatment failures, two could not tolerate amitriptyline (as was also the case in the child with only > 50% efficacy) and one had multiple congenital gastrointestinal anomalies. Excluding the latter case, substantial efficacy (> 75% response) was 26/29 at the start of treatment, and 26/26 in those able to tolerate the regiment, including high dosages of amitriptyline.

CONCLUSION:

Our data suggest that a protocol consisting of mitochondrial-targeted cofactors (co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine) plus amitriptyline (or possibly cyproheptadine in preschoolers) coupled with blood level monitoring is highly effective in the prevention of vomiting episodes.

• Authors: Richard G Boles
• Journal: BMC neurology (BMC Neurol) Vol. 11 Pg. 102 (Aug 16 2011) ISSN: 1471-2377 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21846334 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
• Vitamins
• Ubiquinone
• Amitriptyline
• coenzyme Q10
• Carnitine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Amitriptyline (therapeutic use)
• Carnitine (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diet Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Retrospective Studies
• Ubiquinone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Vitamins (therapeutic use)
• Vomiting (diet therapy, drug therapy)
• Young Adult