Acupuncture and Doxylamine-Pyridoxine for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy : A Randomized, Controlled, 2 × 2 Factorial Trial.

BACKGROUND: An effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, doxylamine-pyridoxine, and a combination of both in women with moderate to severe NVP. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04401384). SETTING: 13 tertiary hospitals in mainland China from 21 June 2020 to 2 February 2022. PARTICIPANTS: 352 women in early pregnancy with moderate to severe NVP. INTERVENTION: Participants received daily active or sham acupuncture for 30 minutes and doxylamine-pyridoxine or placebo for 14 days. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the reduction in Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score at the end of the intervention at day 15 relative to baseline. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, adverse events, and maternal and perinatal complications. RESULTS: No significant interaction was detected between the interventions (P = 0.69). Participants receiving acupuncture (mean difference [MD], -0.7 [95% CI, -1.3 to -0.1]), doxylamine-pyridoxine (MD, -1.0 [CI, -1.6 to -0.4]), and the combination of both (MD, -1.6 [CI, -2.2 to -0.9]) had a larger reduction in PUQE score over the treatment course than their respective control groups (sham acupuncture, placebo, and sham acupuncture plus placebo). Compared with placebo, a higher risk for births with children who were small for gestational age was observed with doxylamine-pyridoxine (odds ratio, 3.8 [CI, 1.0 to 14.1]). LIMITATION: The placebo effects of the interventions and natural regression of the disease were not evaluated. CONCLUSION: Both acupuncture and doxylamine-pyridoxine alone are efficacious for moderate and severe NVP. However, the clinical importance of this effect is uncertain because of its modest magnitude. The combination of acupuncture and doxylamine-pyridoxine may yield a potentially larger benefit than each treatment alone. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: The National Key R&D Program of China and the Project of Heilongjiang Province "TouYan" Innovation Team.

Betaína anidra para o tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria com deficiências ou defeitos da cistationina-betasintetase, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6) / Anidra betaine for the treatment of patients with homocystinuria with cystathionine-betasynthetase deficiencies or defects, unresponsive to pyridoxine (B6)

INTRODUÇÃO: A homocistinúria ocorre por conta de mutações em enzimas envolvidas no metabolismo da metionina, sendo elas: deficiência da cistationina-beta-sintetase (CBS), deficiência da 5,10- metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) ou defeito no cofator do metabolismo da cobalamina (cbl). É uma condição clínica que acomete um pequeno número de pessoas e designa um grupo de doenças metabólicas hereditárias, e em função de decorrer de mutações em enzimas do metabolismo da metionina, a homocistinúria, é uma doença progressiva, sendo mais grave a evolução quanto mais precocemente se manifestam os sintomas. Por ser uma doença progressiva e sistêmica, o quadro clínico da homocistinúria é caracterizado por complicações que podem atingir diversos sistemas biológicos. Algumas das principais manifestações clínicas são o deslocamento das lentes dos olhos para baixo (ectopia lentis), osteoporose, retardo mental, convulsões e, principalmente, fenômenos tromboembólicos. Os fenômenos tromboembólicos revestem-se da maior importância, por determinarem a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares sérios, como infarto do miocárdio e acidentes vasculares encefálicos muito precocemente na vida, com impacto significativo na morbimortalidade. PERGUNTA DE PESQUISA: O uso de betaína anidra como terapia complementar no tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria com deficiências ou defeitos da cistationina-betasintetase, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6) é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo em relação às terapias disponíveis no SUS? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Em revisão sistemática da literatura, o demandante selecionou 1 ECR e 04 séries de casos e 02 estudos observacionais com subgrupo de interesse. No relatório de avaliação crítica foi realizada nova busca nas bases de dados e foram excluídas da análise as quatro séries de casos pela limitação metodológica do tipo de estudo e o número muito baixo de pacientes. Observou-se que na maioria dos estudos, o uso de betaína levou a redução pelo menos numérica dos níveis de homocisteína. Destaca-se que em ECR, essa redução foi significativa para o grupo betaína frente ao placebo.) Ainda, foi observado aumento também pelo menos numérico da cisteína e da metionina em pacientes em uso de betaína.Entretanto, no ECR, o aumento da metionina no grupo betaína apesar de numericamente maior não apresentou significância estatística na comparação frente ao placebo. Os valores de densidade mineral óssea avaliados não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre betaína e placebo, apesar de pacientes em uso de betaína apresentarem resultados numericamente melhores. Em termos de segurança, a betaína foi considerada tolerável, sem relatos de disfunção hepática, renal ou de medula óssea e nenhum relato de efeito indesejado. Ainda, não foram reportados eventos adversos ou intolerância ao tratamento. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: A análise econômica realizada pelo demandante baseou-se em modelo de custoutilidade e os resultados são apresentados na forma de custo incremental por ano de vida ganho e por QALY.O curso da doença foi simulado utilizando o modelo de Markov. O modelo incluiu três estados de saúde:Pacientes sem evento cardiovascular, pacientes com evento cardiovascular e morte. O horizonte temporal foi de 20 anos. Para um paciente viver um ano livre da ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares (1 AVL de ECV) a RCEI foi de R$ 492.124,91. Para um paciente viver um ano com a qualidade de saúde plena (1 QALY) a RCEI foi de R$ 1.525.349,65 milhões. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Foi realizada pelo demandante, análise de impacto orçamentário (AIO) tendo como população alvo pacientes com homocistinúria clássica não responsivos à piridoxina (vitamina B6) O demandante criou dois cenários, um baseado em dados epidemiológicos e outro baseado em demanda aferida.A demanda epidemiológica , resulta em um investimento incremental, acumulados em 5 anos de R$ R$ 11.025.966 e de R$ 3.570.275 para a demanda aferida considerando um Market-share de 50% a 90% no quinto ano. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: No horizonte considerado nesta análise, não se detectou nenhuma tecnologia potencial para o tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria clássica, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6). Porém, cabe informar que existem duas tecnologias com estudos de fase 1/2 em andamento para homocistinúria clássica, independentemente da responsividade à piridoxina, a pegtarviliase e a pegtibatinase. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A análise da evidência clínica apresentada pelo demandante sugere que a tecnologia proposta apresenta efetividade superior quando usada em combinação às alternativas disponíveis atualmente no SUS. Os estudos avaliando betaína são estudos com baixo número amostral,suscetíveis a vieses importantes e há ausência de um ensaio clínico randomizado que avalie a betaína anidra em um número de pacientes maior.O fato de ser uma doença rara corrobora para não termos evidências robustas dessa tecnologia. O modelo de custo-efetividade/utilidade construído pelo demandante utilizou uma abordagem considerando apenas três estados de transições e um horizonte temporal de 20 anos, porém não justificou essa escolha que difere do recomendado nas diretrizes brasileiras. Não foi referida a utilização de taxa de desconto. O modelo adotado considerou manifestações clínicas relacionadas apenas a eventos cardiovasculares, porém a homocistinúria têm outras manifestações clínicas importantes que podem impactar diretamente na qualidade de vida dos pacientes que não estão avaliadas no modelo. Os dados de custos dos medicamentos consideraram PMVG DE 17% sendo mais adequado a utilização de valores considerando 18% de imposto. Como a homocistinúria acomete pacientes pediátricos seria importante apresentar análises de sensibilidade ou justificar o valor do tratamento para não superestimar os custos já que o medicamento avaliado é calculado por peso do paciente. O demandante apresentou uma AIO adequada em relação ao market share e considerou a fragilidade dos dados da população ­alvo apresentando uma análise por demanda aferida e por demanda epidemiológica. A demanda aferida calculada apresenta dados mais perto da realidade dos pacientes diagnosticados no Brasil com homocistinúria. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Os membros do Plenário, presentes na 113ª Reunião Ordinária da Conitec, no dia 05 de outubro de 2022, deliberaram que deliberaram que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar desfavorável à incorporação ao SUS da betaína anidra para o tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria com deficiências ou defeitos da cistationina-beta- sintetase, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6). CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas 121 contribuições, sendo 07 pelo formulário técnico-científico e 114 pelo formulário sobre experiência ou opinião. Todas as contribuições de cunho técnico-científico recebidas foram contra a recomendação inicial da Conitec. A maioria dos respondentes do formulário de experiência e opinião manifestou-se favorável à incorporação da betaína anidra. Entre as opiniões favoráveis, destacaram-se os temas sobre direito à saúde e o papel essencial do medicamento avaliado para o tratamento dos pacientes não responsivos à piridoxina. Os participantes também mencionaram o aumento da qualidade de vida, o fato de o medicamento se destinar ao tratamento de uma doença rara, ser um medicamento recomendado por profissionais de saúde, o tratamento da doença demandar a associação do medicamento com outras tecnologias, a segurança em relação à padronização na produção do medicamento e se tratar de uma questão de sobrevivência. Em relação à experiência com a betaína anidra, como efeitos positivos ou facilidades, os respondentes relataram o controle da doença, boa resposta terapêutica, prevenção de manifestações clínicas da doença e ação anticoagulante. Em contraponto, reportaram a dificuldade de acesso ao medicamento. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Pelo exposto, o Plenário da Conitec, em sua 12ª Reunião Extraordinária, no dia 29 de novembro de 2022, deliberou, por unanimidade, recomendar a não incorporação da betaína anidra para o tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria com deficiências ou defeitos da cistationina-beta-sintetase, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6). Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 788/2022. DECISÃO: Não incorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, a betaína anidra para o tratamento de pacientes com homocistinúria com deficiências ou defeitos da cistationina-betasintetase, não responsivos a piridoxina (B6), conforme protocolo estabelecido pelo Ministério da Saúde, conforme a Portaria nº 176, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 238, seção 1, página 231, em 20 de dezembro de 2022.

Misleading meta-analyses of observational studies may generate unjustified alarms: The case of medications for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Because observational studies often use imperfect measurements, results are prone to misclassification errors. We used as a motivating example the possible teratogenic risks of antiemetic agents in pregnancy since a large observational study recently showed that first-trimester exposure to doxylamine-pyridoxine was associated with significantly increased risk of congenital malformations as a whole, as well as central nervous system defects, and previous observational studies did not show such associations. A meta-analysis on this issue was carried out with the aim to illustrate how differential exposure and outcome misclassifications may lead to uncertain conclusions. METHODS: Medline, searched to October 2019 for full text papers in English. Summary Odds Ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effect models. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed for evaluating the extension of differential misclassification required to account for the exposure-outcome association. RESULTS: Summary ORs were 1.02 (95 % CI, 0.92-1.15), 0.99 (0.82-1.19) and 1.25 (1.08-1.44) for overall congenital, cardiocirculatory, and central nervous system malformations respectively. By assuming exposure and outcome bias factor respectively of 0.95 (i.e., newborns with congenital defects had exposure specificity 5% lower than healthy newborns) and 1.12 (i.e., exposed newborns had outcome sensitivity 12 % higher than unexposed newborns), summary OR of central nervous system defects became 1.13 (95 % CI, 0.99-1.29) and 1.17 (95 % CI, 0.99-1.38). CONCLUSION: Observational investigations and meta-analyses of observational studies need cautious interpretations. Their susceptibility to several, often sneaky, sources of bias should be carefully evaluated.

Bullous fixed drug eruption related to multivitamins.

Multivitamins are commonly consumed over-the-counter supplements. Drug reactions related to multivitamins are rare and very few cases have been reported. This is a case of a young woman who developed bullous fixed drug eruption to multivitamins.

Pyridoxine and Magnesium Administration-Induced Hyperactivity in Two Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Case Reports From a Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Pyridoxine hydrochloride and magnesium sulfate (pyridoxine-Mg) have been used for the management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We present a case report of 2 children with ASD who were administered pyridoxine-Mg for 2 months. METHODS: The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, was used to confirm the adverse reaction. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale was used to assess causality. RESULTS: Children were reported by their parents as being hyperactive. Evaluation by the psychologist using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, also confirmed the reaction. According to the Naranjo scale, hyperactivity had a possible and probable association with pyridoxine-Mg for child 1 and 2, respectively. IMPLICATIONS: A probable to possible association exists between hyperactivity and pyridoxine-Mg. Clinical Trial Registry-India identifier: CTRI/2019/07/020102.

A cautionary tale of pyridoxine toxicity in cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency detected by two-tier newborn screening highlights the need for clear pyridoxine dosing guidelines.

Classic homocystinuria is due to deficiency of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), a pyridoxine-dependent enzyme that, depending on the molecular variants, may be co-factor responsive. Elevated methionine is often used as the primary analyte to detect CBS deficiency (CBSD) on newborn screening (NBS), but is limited by increased detection of other biochemical disorders with less clear clinical significance such as methionine aminotransferase (MAT) I/III heterozygotes. Our state has implemented a two-tier NBS algorithm for CBSD that successfully reduced the number of MATI/III heterozygotes, yet effectively detected a mild, co-factor responsive form of CBSD. After initial diagnosis, newborns with CBSD often undergo a pyridoxine challenge with high-dose pyridoxine to determine responsiveness. Here we describe our NBS-identified patient with a mild form of pyridoxine responsive CBSD who developed respiratory failure and rhabdomyolysis consistent with pyridoxine toxicity during a pyridoxine challenge. This case highlights the need for weight-based dosing and duration recommendations for pyridoxine challenge in neonates.

New evidence for concern over the risk of birth defects from medications for nausea and vomitting of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to quantify the risk of major congenital malformations (MCM) associated with first-trimester exposure to antiemetics. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Using the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort (1998-2015), first-trimester doxylamine-pyridoxine, metoclopramide, and ondansetron exposures were assessed for their association with MCM. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate odds ratios (OR), adjusting for potential confounders (aOR). RESULTS: Within 17 years of follow-up, the prevalence of antiemetic use during pregnancy increased by 76%. Within our cohort, 45,623 pregnancies were exposed to doxylamine-pyridoxine, 958 to metoclopramide, and 31 to ondansetron. Doxylamine-pyridoxine and metoclopramide use were associated with an increased risk of overall MCM (aOR 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.11; 3,945 exposed cases) and (aOR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03-1.57; 105 exposed cases), respectively. Doxylamine-pyridoxine exposure was associated with increased risks of spina bifida (aOR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.11-3.14; 23 exposed cases), nervous system (aOR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06-1.47; 225 exposed cases), and musculoskeletal system defects (aOR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14; 1,735 exposed cases). Metoclopramide exposure was associated with an increased risk of genital organ defects (aOR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.14-4.48; 10 exposed cases). No statistically significant association was found between ondansetron exposure and the risk of overall MCM. CONCLUSION: First-trimester doxylamine-pyridoxine and metoclopramide exposure was associated with a significantly increased risk of overall and specific MCM.

Regressive pyridoxine-induced sensory neuronopathy in a patient with homocystinuria.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is an essential vitamin playing a crucial role in amino acid metabolism. Pyridoxine is used for isoniazid side-effects prevention, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy treatment and cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (homocystinuria) treatment. However, vitamin B6 hypervitaminosis is neurotoxic and may provoke a progressive sensory neuronopathy (sensory ganglionopathy), usually when daily uptake is above 50 mg. We describe the case of a 30-year-old patient with homocystinuria who was treated with pyridoxine 1250-1750 mg/day for 20 years and developed progressive sensory neuropathy with ataxia and impaired sensation in the extremities. Electrodiagnostic testing demonstrated non-length-dependent abnormalities of sensory nerve potentials, and sensory ganglionopathy was diagnosed. Pyridoxine dosage was reduced to 500 mg/day, resulting in the disappearance of sensory symptoms and ataxia, and the normalisation of sensory nerve potentials. Our case indicates that pyridoxine-induced sensory ganglionopathy may be reversible, even after prolonged ingestion of high doses of vitamin B6 for more than 20 years.

Clinical characteristics of two cohorts of infantile spasms: response to pyridoxine or topiramate monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Infantile spasms (IS) was an epileptic disease with varied treatment widely among clinicians. Here, we aimed to compare and analyze the clinical characteristics of IS response to pyridoxine or topiramate monotherapy (TPM control IS). METHODS: The clinical manifestations, treatment processes and outcomes were analyzed in 11 pyridoxine responsive IS and 17 TPM-control IS. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients with pyridoxine responsive IS, nine were cryptogenic/idiopathic. Age of seizure onset was 5.36 ± 1.48 months. Spasms were controlled within a week in most of the patients. At the last follow-up, EEG returned to normal in 8. Psychomotor development was normal in 6, mild delay in 3, severe delay in 2. Of the 17 patients with TPM-control IS, 10 were cryptogenic/idiopathic. The age of seizure onset was 5.58 ± 2.09 months. All patients were controlled within a month. At the last follow-up, EEG was normal in 10. Psychomotor development was normal in 8, mild delay in 5, severe delay in 4. Genetic analysis did not show any meaningful results. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical characteristics and disease courses of pyridoxine responsive IS and TPM-control IS were similar, which possibly clued for a same pathogenic mechanism. Pyridoxine should be tried first in all IS patients, even in symptomatic cases. If patients were not responsive to pyridoxine, TPM could be tried.

Pyridoxine Toxicity Small Fiber Neuropathy With Dysautonomia: A Case Report.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) toxicity is a well-known cause of primary sensory, length-dependent, axonal polyneuropathy. Although sensory symptoms predominate, autonomic symptoms have also been reported in some cases. To date, there is no objective evidence of autonomic dysfunction reported in the literature. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman with 2 years of progressive burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in a stocking-glove distribution who was found to have severe pyridoxine toxicity. Concurrent presence of large and small fiber nerve dysfunction was noted in the form of abnormal electromyography/nerve conduction study demonstrating a chronic sensory polyneuropathy and autonomic testing demonstrating abnormal responses to quantitative sweat testing and cardiovagal function testing. This case highlights the need for consideration of small fiber nerve damage by obtaining autonomic testing in cases of pyridoxine toxicity.

Is pyridoxine effective and safe for post-partum lactation inhibition? A systematic review.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that pyridoxine has an antilactogenic effect. Studies of the efficacy of pyridoxine in suppressing lactation have reported conflicting results. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of high-dose pyridoxine in post-partum lactation inhibition. METHODS: This systematic review included published trials that compared the efficacy and/or safety of pyridoxine to placebo or to other pharmacological agents for the inhibition of post-partum lactation. We searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, AMED, the Cochrane library and the clinical trials registry to identify relevant literature. No limit was imposed on the year of publication of the studies, and the review included studies published until 15 January 2016. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Seven studies were included, with a total of 1155 women, of which 471 women received pyridoxine. Three studies were randomized controlled trials, whereas the remaining four studies were non-randomized controlled trials. All of the included studies were relatively small (n=18-482). The studies compared pyridoxine with placebo, bromocriptine and/or stilboestrol. Pyridoxine was given orally, with a total daily dose of 450-600 mg for 5-7 days. Two trials (n=349 participants) indicated that pyridoxine was effective in inhibiting lactation in approximately 95% of the enrolled patients. All other studies failed to demonstrate pyridoxine efficacy through either clinical assessment or prolactin level measurements. Pyridoxine safety was assessed by two trials in which no serious untoward side effects were reported. Overall, the risk of bias for most of the studies was low to moderate. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Current evidence supporting the effectiveness of high-dose pyridoxine in the inhibition of post-partum lactation is inconsistent and insufficient. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of pyridoxine in post-partum lactation inhibition.

8-Way Randomized Controlled Trial of Doxylamine, Pyridoxine and Dicyclomine for Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy: Restoration of Unpublished Information.

OBJECTIVES: We report information about an unpublished 1970s study ("8-way" Bendectin Study) that aimed to evaluate the relative therapeutic efficacy of doxylamine, pyridoxine, and dicyclomine in the management of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. We are publishing the trial's findings according to the restoring invisible and abandoned trials (RIAT) initiative because the trial was never published. DESIGN: Double blinded, multi-centred, randomized placebo-controlled study. SETTING: 14 clinics in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: 2308 patients in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy with complaints of nausea or vomiting were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Each patient was randomized to one of eight arms: placebo, doxylamine/pyridoxine/dicylcomine, doxylamine/pyridoxine, dicylomine/pyridoxine, doxylamine, dicyclomine/pyridoxine, pyridoxine and dicyclomine. Each patient was instructed to take 2 tablets at bedtime and 1 additional tablet in the afternoon or morning if needed, for 7 nights. OUTCOMES: Reported outcomes included the number of hours of nausea reported by patients, the frequency of vomiting reported by patients and the overall efficacy of medication as judged by physicians. RESULTS: Data from 1599 (69% of those randomized) participants were analyzed. Based on the available summary data of physician evaluation of symptoms and ignoring missing data and data integrity issues, the proportion of participants who were "evaluated moderate or excellent" was greater in each of the seven active treatment groups when compared with placebo (57%): doxylamine/pyridoxine/dicylcomine (14% absolute difference versus placebo; 95% CI: 4 to 24), doxylamine/pyridoxine (21; 95% CI 11 to 30), dicylomine/pyridoxine (21; 95% CI 11 to 30), doxylamine (20; 95% CI 10 to 29), dicyclomine/pyridoxine (4; 95% CI -6 to 14), pyridoxine (9; 95% CI -1 to 19) and dicyclomine (4; 95% CI -6 to 14). Based on incomplete information, the most common adverse events were apparently drowsiness and fatigue. There is a high risk of bias in these previously unpublished results given the high attrition rate in a 7 day trial, the lack of prespecified outcomes or analyses, and the exclusion of some data because of questionable data integrity. CONCLUSION: The available information about this "8-way Bendectin" trial indicates it should not be used to support the efficacy of doxylamine, pyridoxine or dicyclomine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy because of a high risk of bias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not registered.

Interventions for treating hyperemesis gravidarum.

BACKGROUND: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy affecting 0.3% to 1.0% of pregnancies, and is one of the most common indications for hospitalization during pregnancy. While a previous Cochrane review examined interventions for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, there has not yet been a review examining the interventions for the more severe condition of hyperemesis gravidarum. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety, of all interventions for hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy up to 20 weeks' gestation. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register and the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field's Trials Register (20 December 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials of any intervention for hyperemesis gravidarum. Quasi-randomized trials and trials using a cross-over design were not eligible for inclusion.We excluded trials on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that were not specifically studying the more severe condition of hyperemesis gravidarum. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently reviewed the eligibility of trials, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias. Data were checked for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-five trials (involving 2052 women) met the inclusion criteria but the majority of 18 different comparisons described in the review include data from single studies with small numbers of participants. The comparisons covered a range of interventions including acupressure/acupuncture, outpatient care, intravenous fluids, and various pharmaceutical interventions. The methodological quality of included studies was mixed. For selected important comparisons and outcomes, we graded the quality of the evidence and created 'Summary of findings' tables. For most outcomes the evidence was graded as low or very low quality mainly due to the imprecision of effect estimates. Comparisons included in the 'Summary of findings' tables are described below, the remaining comparisons are described in detail in the main text.No primary outcome data were available when acupuncture was compared with placebo, There was no clear evidence of differences between groups for anxiodepressive symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.40; one study, 36 women, very low-quality evidence), spontaneous abortion (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.03; one study, 57 women, low-quality evidence), preterm birth (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.26; one study, 36 women, low-quality evidence), or perinatal death (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.04 to 8.30; one study, 36 women, low-quality evidence).There was insufficient evidence to identify clear differences between acupuncture and metoclopramide in a study with 81 participants regarding reduction/cessation in nausea or vomiting (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.49 and RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.48, respectively; very low-quality evidence).In a study with 92 participants, women taking vitamin B6 had a slightly longer hospital stay compared with placebo (mean difference (MD) 0.80 days, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.52, moderate-quality evidence). There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate a difference in other outcomes including mean number of episodes of emesis (MD 0.50, 95% CI -0.40 to 1.40, low-quality evidence) or side effects.A comparison between metoclopramide and ondansetron identified no clear difference in the severity of nausea or vomiting (MD 1.70, 95% CI -0.15 to 3.55, and MD -0.10, 95% CI -1.63 to 1.43; one study, 83 women, respectively, very low-quality evidence). However, more women taking metoclopramide complained of drowsiness and dry mouth (RR 2.40, 95% CI 1.23 to 4.69, and RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.11, respectively; moderate-quality evidence). There were no clear differences between groups for other side effects.In a single study with 146 participants comparing metoclopramide with promethazine, more women taking promethazine reported drowsiness, dizziness, and dystonia (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.87, RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.69, and RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.90, respectively, moderate-quality evidence). There were no clear differences between groups for other important outcomes including quality of life and other side effects.In a single trial with 30 women, those receiving ondansetron had no difference in duration of hospital admission compared to those receiving promethazine (MD 0.00, 95% CI -1.39 to 1.39, very low-quality evidence), although there was increased sedation with promethazine (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.94, low-quality evidence) .Regarding corticosteroids, in a study with 110 participants there was no difference in days of hospital admission compared to placebo (MD -0.30, 95% CI -0.70 to 0.10; very low-quality evidence), but there was a decreased readmission rate (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.94; four studies, 269 women). For other important outcomes including pregnancy complications, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and congenital abnormalities, there was insufficient evidence to identify differences between groups (very low-quality evidence for all outcomes). In other single studies there were no clear differences between groups for preterm birth or side effects (very low-quality evidence).For hydrocortisone compared with metoclopramide, no data were available for primary outcomes and there was no difference in the readmission rate (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.28;one study, 40 women).In a study with 80 women, compared to promethazine, those receiving prednisolone had increased nausea at 48 hours (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.72; low-quality evidence), but not at 17 days (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.15, very low-quality evidence). There was no clear difference in the number of episodes of emesis or subjective improvement in nausea/vomiting. There was insufficient evidence to identify differences between groups for stillbirth and neonatal death and preterm birth. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this review, there is little high-quality and consistent evidence supporting any one intervention, which should be taken into account when making management decisions. There was also very limited reporting on the economic impact of hyperemesis gravidarum and the impact that interventions may have.The limitations in interpreting the results of the included studies highlights the importance of consistency in the definition of hyperemesis gravidarum, the use of validated outcome measures, and the need for larger placebo-controlled trials.

Efficacy of Gingocap as compared to pyridoxine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting is the common problem disturbing almost 80% of the females in initial three months of conception and later sometime throughout pregnancy. To find out the efficacy and safety of herbal coded test drug Gingocap in comparison with the control drug Pyridoxine, a randomized clinical case control study was conducted at the OPD of Yusra Medical Centre, Karachi and Amir Habib Medical Center and Maternity Home, Karachi. After administration of test and control drug the frequency of nausea and vomiting was noted after every 2 weeks on 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks during 60 days of the course of study. The percentage of reduction of nausea and vomiting symptoms from the baseline in cases treated with test Gingocap compared to control drug Pyridoxine was recorded. Overall 35 and 30 patients were administered Gingocap and Pyridoxine between 6-16 weeks conception respectively. The data analyzed through T-test using SPSS version 18.0. It was concluded that Gingocap has the potential to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting and exhibited no side effects and this drug was acceptable by maximum number of the patients.

First cases of pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy in Bulgaria: novel mutation in the ALDH7A1 gene.

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by intractable seizures in neonates and infants. The seizures cannot be controlled with antiepileptic medications but respond both clinically and electrographically to large daily supplements of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). PDE is caused by mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene. Molecular genetic analysis of the ALDH7A1 gene was performed in seven patients, referred with clinical diagnosis of PDE. Mutations were detected in a dizygotic twin pair and a non-related boy with classical form of PDE. Direct sequencing of the ALDH7A1 gene revealed one novel (c.297delG, p.Trp99*) and two already reported (c.328C>T, p.Arg110*; c.584A>G, p.Asn195Ser) mutations. Here, we report the first genetically proven cases of PDE in Bulgaria.

Lack of Impact of High Dietary Vitamin A on T Helper 2-Dependent Contact Hypersensitivity to Fluorescein Isothiocyanate in Mice.

Overuse of vitamin A as a dietary supplement is a concern in industrialized countries. High-level dietary vitamin A is thought to shift immunity to a T helper 2 (Th2)-dominant one, resulting in the promotion of allergies. We have been studying a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mouse model that involves Th2-type immunity. We fed a diet with a high retinyl palmitate content (250 international units (IU)/g diet) or a control diet (4 IU/g diet) to BALB/c mice for three weeks. No augmentation of FITC-induced CHS was found in mice fed the diet with a high vitamin A content, although accumulation of the vitamin was confirmed in the livers of these animals. The results indicated that relatively short-term feeding of the high-level vitamin A diet did not influence the Th2-driven response at a stage with significant retinol accumulation in the liver. The results were in contrast to the high-dose pyridoxine diets that produced a reduced response in FITC-induced CHS.

Decrease in pyridoxal-5'-phosphate concentration and increase in pyridoxal concentration in rat plasma by 4'-O-methylpyridoxine administration.

Food poisoning from Ginkgo biloba seeds can cause epilepsy because of a decrease in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations in the brain. We previously demonstrated that 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) is responsible for this observed toxicity of G biloba seeds; however, the mechanism for the decrease in GABA and plasma concentration profile of MPN has not been clarified. Our hypothesis is that MPN induces a decrease in vitamin B6 concentrations, resulting in a decrease in GABA concentration. This study aimed to characterize the plasma concentration profile of MPN and intrinsic vitamin B6 concentrations (pyridoxal [PL], PL-5'-phosphate [PLP], and 4-pyridoxic acid) using a rat model. Plasma concentrations of B6 vitamers after intravenous MPN administration (5 mg/kg) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The half-life of MPN (0.91 ± 0.05 hours) was shorter in rats than the previously reported value in humans. We found a significant decrease in the plasma concentration of PLP, an active form of vitamin B6, after MPN administration. We also observed an increase in plasma PL and 4-pyridoxic acid concentrations; the increase in PL concentration may be caused by either metabolism of MPN to PL or by MPN-mediated inhibition of PL kinase. The present study is the first in vivo study showing relatively rapid elimination of MPN in rats and a decrease in plasma PLP concentration caused by MPN.

Pyridoxine induced rosacea-like dermatitis.

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease of unknown etiology, characterized by remissions and exacerbations, presenting with centrofacial erythema and telangiectasias. It affects mainly adults around the age of 30 years and classically predominates in females. The pathophysiology of rosacea has not yet been fully understood. Risk factors are positive family history, very light skin phototype, sun exposure and consumption of spicy food or alcohol. Recently, there has been some evidence that some drugs or vitamins could be potential factors that can aggravate rosacea or induce rosacea-like symptoms. In this context, we present a 53-year-old female developing rosacea-like dermatitis due to a fixed combination of isoniazid and pyridoxine, which she was receiving along with rifampicin for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Metadoxine improves the three- and six-month survival rates in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of metadoxine (MTD) on the 3- and 6-mo survival of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH). METHODS: This study was an open-label clinical trial, performed at the "Hospital General de México, Dr. Eduardo Liceaga". We randomized 135 patients who met the criteria for severe AH into the following groups: 35 patients received prednisone (PDN) 40 mg/d, 35 patients received PDN+MTD 500 mg three times daily, 33 patients received pentoxifylline (PTX) 400 mg three times daily, and 32 patients received PTX+MTD 500 mg three times daily. The duration of the treatment for all of the groups was 30 d. RESULTS: In the groups treated with the MTD, the survival rate was higher at 3 mo (PTX+MTD 59.4% vs PTX 33.3%, P = 0.04; PDN+MTD 68.6% vs PDN 20%, P = 0.0001) and at 6 mo (PTX+MTD 50% vs PTX 18.2%, P = 0.01; PDN+MTD 48.6% vs PDN 20%, P = 0.003) than in the groups not treated with MTD. A relapse in alcohol intake was the primary independent factor predicting mortality at 6 mo. The patients receiving MTD maintained greater abstinence than those who did not receive it (74.5% vs 59.4%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: MTD improves the 3- and 6-mo survival rates in patients with severe AH. Alcohol abstinence is a key factor for survival in these patients. The patients who received the combination therapy with MTD were more likely to maintain abstinence than those who received monotherapy with either PDN or PTX.