Key clinical point: Repetitive intravenous dihydroergotamine (DHE) administration using an inpatient protocol seemed effective and tolerable in patients with refractory chronic migraine (rCM), even in those at an elevated risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Major finding: The elevated-ASCVD vs low-ASCVD risk group had fewer patients receiving the maximum dose of DHE (42.2% vs 64.4%; P = .002) and lower median doses of DHE on discharge (0.75 vs 1.00 mg; P < .001). Both groups experienced significant pain reduction, but it was more pronounced in the low-ASCVD risk group ( P = .037). No significant cardiovascular adverse events or electrocardiogram abnormalities were reported in either group.
Study details: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 347 patients with rCM who received inpatient intravenous DHE, of whom 64 and 163 patients had elevated and low ASCVD risk, respectively.
Disclosures: This study was partially funded by Impel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Two authors declared being full-time employees and stockowners of Impel Pharmaceuticals. Some authors declared ties with various sources, including Impel Pharmaceuticals.
Source: Wang VS et al. Safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of repetitive intravenous dihydroergotamine for refractory chronic migraine with cardiovascular risk factors: A retrospective study. Headache. 2023;63(9):1251-1258 (Sep 23). doi: 10.1111/head.14636