Tag: granisetron

The effect of granisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients–a pilot study

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of granisetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, on fatigue and functional impairment in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

METHODS: Five female patients were eligible to receive oral granisetron for one month (1 mg a day for the first two weeks and 2 mg a day for the second two weeks). The patients had to be between 18 and 65 years of age and suffering from CFS according to the CDC criteria. The effect was assessed by pre- and post-testing, using validated instruments designed to assess the different dimensions of CFS. Treatment response was also evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) for fatigue. Analysis was based on intention to treat.

RESULTS: Treatment with granisetron resulted in significant improvement in fatigue severity and functional impairment. Activity level showed no significant increase.

CONCLUSION: The promising results of this study have encouraged us to perform a placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the treatment of CFS.

Comment in: Pilot studies: one swallow does not make a summer… [Neth J Med. 2003]

 

Source: The GK, Prins J, Bleijenberg G, van der Meer JW. The effect of granisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients–a pilot study.  Neth J Med. 2003 Sep;61(9):285-9. http://www.njmonline.nl/getpdf.php?id=16 (Full article)

 

Pilot studies: one swallow does not make a summer…

Abstract:

What should we expect from pilot studies, done in small series of patients? In the literature there are many examples of small studies with very promising results, that in subsequent larger or better controlled studies proved to be much less promising, or even disastrous. In some instances the initial favourable outcome was due to selection bias. In others the use of nonvalidated methods of measuring outcome made the reproducibility of promising observations problematic. However, we have to start somewhere. In ths issue The et al. report favourable results of granisetron treatment in four out of five patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial with granisetron in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome is now ongoing.

Comment on: The effect of granisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients–a pilot study. [Neth J Med. 2003]

 

Source: van Gelder T, Smits P. Pilot studies: one swallow does not make a summer… Neth J Med. 2003 Sep;61(9):270-2. http://www.njmonline.nl/getpdf.php?id=13 (Full article)