The added value of an electronic monitoring and alerting system in the management of medication-overuse headache: A controlled multicentre study

• Published in: Cephalalgia Vol. 37; no. 12; pp. 1115 - 1125
• Main Authors: Tassorelli, Cristina, Jensen, Rigmor, Allena, Marta, De Icco, Roberto, Katsarava, Zaza, Miguel Lainez, J, Leston, Jorge A, Fadic, Ricardo, Spadafora, Santiago, Pagani, Marco, Nappi, Giuseppe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Headache Disorders, Secondary - prevention & control; Humans; Male; Medical Records; Mobile Applications; Patient Satisfaction; Recurrence; Remote Consultation - methods; Electronic diary; relapses; information and communication technology; outcome
• ISSN: 0333-1024; 1468-2982
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102416660549

Background Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a chronic disabling condition associated with a high rate of relapse. Methods We evaluated whether the adoption of electronic-assisted monitoring, advice and communication would improve the outcome over a follow-up of 6 months in a controlled, multicentre, multinational study conducted in six headache centres located in Europe and Latin America. A total of 663 MOH subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups: the Comoestas group was monitored with an electronic diary associated with an alert system and a facilitated communication option, and the Classic group with a paper headache diary. Results We observed a significantly higher percentage of overuse-free subjects in the Comoestas group compared with the Classic group: 73.1 vs 64.1% (odds ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.09, p = 0.046). The Comoestas group performed better also regarding the number of days/month with intake of acute drugs and the level of disability [Migraine Disability Assessment Score: Comoestas group – 42.5 ± 53.6 (35.5–49.3) and Classic group – 27.5 ± 56.1 (20.6–34.3) (p < 0.003)]. Conclusion The adoption of the electronic tool improved the outcome of patients suffering from MOH after withdrawal from overused drugs. Information and communication technology represents a valid aid for optimizing the management of chronic conditions at risk of worsening or of relapsing. Trial registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT02435056).