eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > Pediatric

Pediatrics, Headache: Treatment & Medication

Author: Kirsten A Bechtel, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Feb 3, 2008

Treatment

Emergency Department Care

  • Migraine and tension headache
    • The goals of therapy are to relieve pain, alleviate nausea, and promote sleep.
    • Vasoconstrictive agents may be helpful, especially if the onset of headache has been recent.
    • Narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics, sedatives, and antiemetics are helpful adjunctive therapy.
  • The treatment of sinusitis includes appropriate antibiotic coverage, analgesics (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], acetaminophen), and nasal decongestants.
  • Head trauma, intracranial mass/abscess
    • In the event of intracranial hemorrhage or an intracranial mass causing headache, appropriate airway management, with the goal of adequate oxygenation and hyperventilation to reduce cerebral blood flow and lower intracranial pressure is the immediate goal. Subsequent surgery is necessary to evacuate the lesion.
    • Analgesics are useful for chronic postconcussive headaches.
  • To alleviate the increased intracranial pressure associated with pseudotumor cerebri, a lumbar puncture is used to reduce the volume of CSF. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors decrease the production of CSF.
  • The treatment goal of meningeal inflammation is to treat the underlying cause, such as HTN (antihypertensives), infection (antibiotics), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (surgical evacuation of intracranial hemorrhage; nimodipine can be used to reduce vasospasm).

Consultations

  • Consultation with a surgeon is appropriate for headache caused by mass lesions, intracranial hemorrhage, or abscess.

Medication

If the diagnosis is not a surgical condition that requires immediate operative treatment, the emphasis of medical therapy should be to provide analgesia and to treat the underlying cause of headache. In patients with migraine, tension, and posttraumatic headache, the goals of therapy are to relieve pain, alleviate nausea, and promote sleep. Vasoconstrictive agents may also be helpful, especially if the onset of the migraine headache is recent.

Analgesics

These agents are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and headache. They are the mainstays of headache treatment.


Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Empirin)

Treats mild to moderate pain. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating thromboxane A2.

Adult

325-650 mg PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 4 g/d

Pediatric

10-15 mg/kg/dose PO q4h prn pain; not to exceed 60-80 mg/kg/d

Effects may decrease with antacids and urinary alkalinizers; corticosteroids decrease salicylate serum levels; additive hypoprothrombinemic effects and increased bleeding time may occur with coadministration of anticoagulants; may antagonize uricosuric effects of probenecid and increase toxicity of phenytoin and valproic acid; doses >2 g/d may potentiate glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylurea drugs

Documented hypersensitivity; liver damage; hypoprothrombinemia; vitamin K deficiency; bleeding disorders; asthma; because of association of aspirin with Reye syndrome, do not to use in children (<16 y) with flu

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

May cause transient decrease in renal function and aggravate chronic kidney disease; avoid use in severe anemia, history of blood coagulation defects, or current anticoagulant use


Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra)

DOC for pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs, upper GI disease, or current oral anticoagulant use.

Adult

325-650 mg PO/PR q4-6h prn; not to exceed 4 g/d

Pediatric

10-15 mg/kg/dose PO/PR q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d

Rifampin can reduce analgesic effects of acetaminophen; coadministration with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity

Documented hypersensitivity; liver failure; G-6-PD deficiency

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholism following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; acetaminophen is contained in many OTC products, and combined use with these products may result in cumulative acetaminophen doses exceeding recommended maximum dose


Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

NSAID that is DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.

Adult

200-400 mg PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 3.2 g/d

Pediatric

5-10 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 2.4 g/d

Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently

Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation renal insufficiency; high risk of bleeding

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in anticoagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy


Morphine sulfate

DOC for analgesia because of reliable and predictable effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone. Most potent of the opiate agonists and is useful for the acute management of headache due to migraine.
Various IV doses are used and are commonly titrated until desired effect obtained. Its use is cautioned in conditions with raised intracranial pressure.

Adult

2.5-20 mg/dose IV q2-6h prn

Pediatric

0.05-0.1 mg/kg/dose IV q1h prn

Phenothiazines may antagonize analgesic effects of opiate agonists; tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, and other CNS depressants may potentiate adverse effects of morphine

Documented hypersensitivity; hypotension; potentially compromised airway where establishing rapid airway control would be difficult; increased intracranial pressure; severe renal or hepatic failure

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Avoid in hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, emesis, constipation, and urinary retention; caution in atrial flutter and other supraventricular tachycardias; has vagolytic action and may increase ventricular response rate

Sedative

This agent promotes sleep in children with migraine headache.


Chloral hydrate (Aquachloral)

CNS depressant. Mechanism of action unknown.

Adult

500-1000 mg PO/PR; not to exceed 2 g/d

Pediatric

25-50 mg/kg/dose PO qd or bid prn; not to exceed 2 g/24 h in 2 divided doses

May potentiate effects of CNS depressants, warfarin, and alcohol

Documented hypersensitivity; severe cardiac, renal, or hepatic insufficiency; history of porphyria; allergy to tartrazine dye

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

CNS depression, additive with other CNS depressants; SVT and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported during toxic doses; minimal respiratory depressant effects (isolated case reports in the literature); adverse reactions include drowsiness, hypothermia, dysarthria, ataxia, excitability, and generalized weakness; other adverse effects include rash, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmia, confusion, hallucinations, and, rarely, convulsions

Vasoconstrictors

Although the pathophysiology is uncertain, abnormalities of the cerebral vasculature, causing vasoconstriction, and then vasodilation, is the most often cited mechanism for migraine. A reduction in regional cerebral blood flow during the aura and early headache phases of migraine has been demonstrated. This is the rationale behind the use of vasoconstrictive agents in the treatment of migraine. Therapeutic activity of the serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (ie, triptans) in migraine is most likely attributed to agonist effects at 5-HT 1B/1D receptors. These specific receptor subtypes act on the extracerebral, intracranial blood vessels that become dilated during a migraine attack and on nerve terminals in the trigeminal system. Triptans have not been FDA approved for children younger than 18 years.

A recent report of the American Academy of Neurology quality standards subcommittee and the practice committee of the child neurology society has provided guidelines for treating migraine headaches in children and adolescents.1


Ergotamine (Ergomar)

Alpha-adrenergic and serotonin (5HT1) antagonist and partial agonist (depending on receptor site). Causes constriction of peripheral and cranial blood vessels. Useful in classic and common migraine headache. Works best if used in early stages of migraine. Significant nausea and vomiting has been associated with its use.

Adult

Oral: 2 tab PO at onset of attack and 1 tab q30min prn; not to exceed 6 tab per attack or 10 tab/wk
Sublingual: 1 tab SL at first sign of the attack and 1 tab q30min; not to exceed 3 tab/24 h or 5 tab/wk

Pediatric

1-2 mg SL at time of attack, repeat q30min; not to exceed 3 doses/d

Increases effects of heparin and toxicity of nitroglycerin, propranolol, erythromycin, and clarithromycin

Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic or renal disease; peptic ulcer disease; sepsis; peripheral vascular disease; pregnancy; hypertension; PVD; not to be prescribed for hemiplegic migraine

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Strong uterine stimulant actions; avoid using prolonged regimens because of danger of causing gangrene or dependency; commonly causes nausea and vomiting


Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

Selective agonist for serotonin 5-HT1 receptors (probably 5HT1D) in cranial arteries and suppresses inflammation associated with migraine headaches. Useful in common and classic migraine during early stages of headache.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use triptans in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

Oral: 25 mg PO at migraine onset; if satisfactory response not observed in 2 h, an additional dose (not to exceed 100 mg) may be administered; administer an additional dose q2h if headache returns; not to exceed cumulative daily dose of 200 mg; individualize initial dose, may use 25, 50, or 100 mg; weigh possible benefit of higher dose with potential for risk of adverse effects
Injection: 6 mg SC; if satisfactory response not observed in 1 h, an additional 6 mg injection may be administered, not to exceed 2 injections/d
Intranasal: 5, 10, or 20 mg may be administered in one nostril; may administer 10 mg dose by administering a single 5 mg dose in each nostril; if satisfactory response not observed in 2 h, additional dose may be administered, not to exceed 40 mg/d

Pediatric

Not established; data limited, clinical trials have shown the nasal spray (5-20 mg) effective to treat acute migraine in adolescents

Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs

Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, and bloody diarrhea may occur rarely when administering medication; adverse effects include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness


Zolmitriptan (Zomig, Zomig-ZMT)

For symptomatic relief. Selective serotonin (5HT1) receptor agonist in cranial arteries; elicits vasoconstriction and reduce inflammation associated with antidromic neuronal transmission in CH. High affinity for 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 1B receptor subtypes.
Can reduce severity of headache within 15 min of SC injection. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

2.5 mg or 5 mg PO; repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 10 mg/d; may give dose lower than 2.5 mg by breaking scored tab in half
Oral disintegrating tablets: 2.5 mg dissolved on tongue once; may repeat dose after 2 h, not to exceed 10 mg/24 h
Intranasal: 5 mg administered in 1 nostril at migraine onset; may repeat once after 2 h if needed; not to exceed 10 mg/d

Pediatric

Not established

Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs

Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease and uncontrolled hypertension; do not administer within 24 h of taking another serotonin agonist or ergotamine or within 2 wk of taking an MAOI

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur when administering this medication


Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)

Selective 5-HT1 agonist with a long half-life. High affinity for 5-HT 1D receptor subtype. Duration of action up to 24 h with low headache recurrence rate. Useful for patients with slow-onset prolonged migraine, such as menstrual migraine.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

1-2.5 mg PO at migraine onset; may repeat once after 4 h; not to exceed 5 mg/d

Pediatric

Not established

Oral contraceptives may significantly increase serum concentrations and prolonged vasospastic reactions may occur, avoid concurrent use within 24 h of each other; toxicity may increase when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs

Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension; cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular syndromes; severe renal impairment (CrCl <15 mL/min); severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh grade C)

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Chest, jaw, or neck tightness may occur after 5-HT1 agonist administration; atypical sensations over precordium (pain, tightness, pressure, heaviness) may occur (rarely associated with arrhythmias or ischemic ECG changes); evaluate patients with signs or symptoms suggestive of angina for presence of CAD or predisposition to Prinzmetal angina before receiving additional doses; monitor ECG if dosing resumed and similar symptoms recur


Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT)

Selective agonist for serotonin 5-HT1 receptors in cranial arteries and suppresses the inflammation associated with migraine headaches. High affinity for 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 1B receptor subtypes.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

5-10 mg PO at migraine onset; may repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 30 mg/d
Oral disintegrating tab: 5-10 mg PO dissolved on tongue at migraine onset; may repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 30 mg/d

Pediatric

Not established

Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur when administering this medication


Almotriptan (Axert)

Used to treat acute migraine. Selective 5-HT1B/1D/1F receptor agonist. Results in cranial vessel constriction, inhibition of neuropeptide release, and reduced pain transmission in trigeminal pathways.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

6.25-12.5 mg PO at onset of migraine; may repeat once, not to exceed 25 mg/d

Pediatric

<18 years: Not established
>18 years: Administer as in adults

Toxicity may increase when used within 24 h of ergotamines or other 5-HT agonists; coadministration with SSRIs may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, or incoordination; CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin) may increase plasma concentration and subsequent toxicity

Documented hypersensitivity; hemiplegic or basilar migraine; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Decrease dose and do not exceed 12.5 mg/d in renal or hepatic impairment


Frovatriptan (Frova)

Selective 5-HT1 agonist with long half-life. High affinity for 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 1B receptor subtypes. Has duration of action as long as 24 h with low headache recurrence rate. Useful for patients with slow-onset, prolonged migraine, such as menstrual migraine. Has long half-life (ie, 26-30 h), thus decreases recurrence of migraine within 24 h after treatment.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

2.5 mg PO once at onset of migraine attack; may repeat at intervals of 2 h prn; not to exceed 7.5 mg/d

Pediatric

<18 years: Not established
>18 years: Administer as in adults

Toxicity may increase when used within 24 h of ergotamines or other 5-HT agonists; coadministration with SSRIs may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, or incoordination

Documented hypersensitivity; hemiplegic or basilar migraine; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur


Eletriptan (Relpax)

Selective serotonin agonist. Specifically acts at 5-HT1B/1D/1F receptors on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerve endings to relieve pain associated with acute migraine.
As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation.

Adult

20-40 mg/dose PO at onset of migraine; if initial dose ineffective, may repeat dose once after 2 h; not to exceed 80 mg/d

Pediatric

<18 years: Not established
>18 years: Administer as in adults

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavir) may increase toxicity; concurrent administration with ergot-containing drugs may increase vasospastic reactions

Documented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic impairment; age >65 y; administration within 72 h of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease may have increased risk of myocardial ischemia, infarction, or other cardiac or cerebrovascular events (5-HT1 agonists may cause coronary vasospasm)

Antiemetics

These agents are useful in the treatment of symptomatic nausea.


Promethazine (Phenergan)

Blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic receptors in brain and reduces stimuli to brainstem reticular system. Antiemetic and antihistaminic actions that alleviate nausea and vomiting and promote sleep.

Adult

12.5 mg PO/PR tid and 25 mg hs
25 mg IV/IM; repeat prn in 2 h; switch to PO as soon as possible

Pediatric

<2 years: Contraindicated
>2 years: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/dose PO/IV/IM q6h

May have additive effects when used concurrently with other CNS depressants or anticonvulsants; coadministration with epinephrine may cause hypotension

Documented hypersensitivity; children <2 y (incidences of death due to respiratory depression)

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in cardiovascular disease, impaired liver function, seizures, sleep apnea, and asthma


Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Metoclopramide promotes gastric emptying and has antiemetic effects, which are useful to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.

Adult

5-10 mg PO/IV/IM tid

Pediatric

0.1 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q6h prn

Anticholinergics may antagonize effects of metoclopramide; opiate analgesics may increase metoclopramide toxicity in CNS

Documented hypersensitivity; pheochromocytoma; GI hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation; history of seizure disorders

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Adverse reactions include drowsiness, diarrhea, and hypotension; caution in history of mental illness and Parkinson disease (acute dystonic reactions are more common at higher doses); caution in seizure history

More on Pediatrics, Headache

Overview: Pediatrics, Headache
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Pediatrics, Headache
Treatment & Medication: Pediatrics, Headache
Follow-up: Pediatrics, Headache
References

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Further Reading

Keywords

headachemigrainemigraine headachetension headachesinus headachesinusitis, head trauma, intracranial mass, benign intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, epilepsy, meningeal irritation, headache causesheadaches in teenagers, basilar migraine, cyclic vomiting syndrome, CVS, ophthalmoplegic migraine, cluster headache, medication overuse headache, MOH, hemiplegic migraine, hemisensory migraine, common migraine, classic migraine, complicated migraine 

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Kirsten A Bechtel, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital
Kirsten A Bechtel, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

William G Gossman, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Creighton University Medical Center
William G Gossman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner

Managing Editor

Wayne Wolfram, MD, MPH, Clinical Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati
Wayne Wolfram, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Richard G Bachur, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Associate Chief and Fellowship Director, Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Boston
Richard G Bachur, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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