Scoping Review: The Effects of Interrupted Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment for Chronic Migraine Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

TitleScoping Review: The Effects of Interrupted Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment for Chronic Migraine Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsRuan QZhao, Pak DJ, Gulati A, Dominguez M, Diwan S, Hasoon J, Deer TR, R Yong J, Albilali A, Macone A, Ashina S, Robinson CL
JournalJ Pain Res
Volume17
Pagination4163-4176
Date Published2024
ISSN1178-7090
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine the literature on the clinical consequences of inadvertent delays in scheduled onabotulinumtoxin A (OTA) therapy for chronic migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess recommendations when access to OTA is limited.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was unprecedented in its impact on the global medical community. Most healthcare institutions in the United States (US) and the world had begun significantly limiting elective procedures, undermining management of many debilitating chronic conditions. OTA injections, were similarly involuntarily postponed, leading to significant setbacks in symptom control.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on databases of Medline and Embase with search timeframe defined as the point of database inception to March 1st, 2024, and the search was performed on March 2nd, 2024. The search strategy was independently formulated by two authors (QR and CR) and was reviewed and approved by all authors of the article after appropriate amendments.

RESULTS: A total of nine articles met the defined inclusion criteria. They collectively demonstrated marked delays in OTA treatment with decline in migraine symptom control measured in the form of migraine intensity, frequency, as well as patient satisfaction in disease management. Quality of care in the form of follow-ups also appeared compromised. Alternative strategies of telemedicine and the administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAb) were adopted in place of conventional treatment.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had caused marked clinical deterioration in the migraine patient populations across US, Europe, and the Middle East. Strategies employed to circumvent this limitation included the adoption of remote consultation via telemedicine as well as the use of pharmacological agents such as CGRP antagonists. In the event of a reoccurrence of a worldwide pandemic, strategies should be implemented to prevent the cessation of needed treatment for those suffering from chronic migraine.

DOI10.2147/JPR.S485548
Alternate JournalJ Pain Res
PubMed ID39679430
PubMed Central IDPMC11645906