The efficacy of dexketoprofen for migraine attack: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of dexketoprofen for migraine attack remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of dexketoprofen supplementation versus placebo on pain control in migraine attack patients. METHODS: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through March 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of dexketoprofen supplementation versus placebo on pain control for migraine attack patients. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Five RCTs involving 794 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for migraine attack, dexketoprofen supplementation is associated with substantially increased pain free at 2 hours (RR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.43-2.53; P < .0001), pain free at 48 hours (RR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.07-2.49; P = .02), good or excellent treatment (RR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.24-1.78; P < .0001) and pain relief at 2 hours (RR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.17-2.77; P = .007), as well as reduced need for rescue drug (RR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.43-0.94; P = .02), with no significant increase in adverse events (RR = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.87-2.62; P = .14). CONCLUSION: Dexketoprofen supplementation benefits to improve pain control at 48 hours and reduce the need for rescue drug in migraine attack patients.