Prophylactic effect of riboflavin on pediatric migraine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background and aim Riboflavin may have an acceptable effect on migraine among children. This study was carried out to determine the prophylactic effect of riboflavin on migraine in children. Methods This randomized clinical trial study was performed at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran from December 2012 to February 2015. Ninety children with migraine were allocated randomly into 3 groups (placebo, low-dose and high-dose riboflavin). The outcomes (frequency, intensity and duration of headaches) were measured at baseline and 12 weeks of medication in each group, and the decrease of them were compared. SPSS software version 16 was used for analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact and t-test were used for statistical analyses. Results There was a significant decrease of migraine frequency (p=0.000) and mean duration (p=0.000) in the high-dose group compared with the placebo group. No significant reduction of frequency and mean duration of attacks were reported in the low-dose group compared to the placebo group (p=0.49 and p=0.69 respectively). There was no significant reduction of migraine intensity in the low-dose and high-dose groups compared to the placebo group (p=0.71 and p=0.74 respectively). Conclusion High-dose riboflavin is a safe, well tolerated, cost-effective method of prophylaxis for children with migraine. Trial registration The trial was registered at the Iranian Clinical Trial Registry with number IRCT2013020412361N1. Funding The study was supported by the Deputy of Research, Kashan University of Medical Sciences (grant number 91073).