Major research findings

One study evaluated the untoward effects of fenfluramine in children with autism. A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted on 12 subjects. During the first 2 weeks of active drug treatment, listlessness, food refusal, and stomach upset were frequently observed. A different pattern of untoward effects was seen in the final 14 weeks of treatment, including irritability, agitation, and crying, along with continued food refusal. Subjects lost 2.1% of their body weight during the active drug phase, but there was a rebound weight gain during the subsequent placebo phase. 1

Another study investigated the implementation of a hospital-based animal therapy program for children with cancer. A descriptive assessment of the program was conducted using Donabedian's quality model, involving 16 parents and 12 nurses. The study found that dog-assisted therapy may contribute to alleviating psychological distress in children and parents, facilitate their adaptation to the therapeutic process, and promote their well-being while hospitalized. 2

Reasons for side effects

The side effects of fenfluramine are believed to be caused by the drug's influence on neurotransmitters in the brain. 1 Fenfluramine increases serotonin levels but may also decrease dopamine and norepinephrine levels. These changes in neurotransmitter levels could lead to side effects such as listlessness, food refusal, irritability, and agitation.

Common side effects

Listlessness

Listlessness has been reported as a side effect during the initial phase of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Food refusal

Food refusal has been reported as a side effect during both the initial and later stages of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Stomach upset

Stomach upset has been reported as a side effect during the initial phase of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Irritability

Irritability has been reported as a side effect during the later stages of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Agitation

Agitation has been reported as a side effect during the later stages of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Crying

Crying has been reported as a side effect during the later stages of fenfluramine treatment. 1

Weight loss

Weight loss has been reported as a side effect during fenfluramine treatment. 1

Side effect management

Listlessness

If listlessness occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment.

Food refusal

If food refusal occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. Additionally, it may be necessary to carefully monitor the child's nutritional status and consider nutritional supplementation if needed.

Stomach upset

If stomach upset occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. It may also be necessary to adjust the child's diet.

Irritability

If irritability occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. It is also important to adjust the child's environment and provide a calming space.

Agitation

If agitation occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. It may also be necessary to restrict the child's activity or provide calming activities.

Crying

If crying occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. It is also important to acknowledge the child's feelings and offer reassuring words.

Weight loss

If weight loss occurs as a side effect, it is important to consult a doctor. They can identify the cause of the side effect and recommend appropriate treatment. Additionally, it may be necessary to carefully monitor the child's nutritional status and consider nutritional supplementation if needed.

Comparison between studies

Similarities between studies

Both studies aimed to improve the health of children. The study on fenfluramine focused on treating symptoms in autistic children, while the study on animal-assisted therapy aimed to alleviate psychological distress and facilitate adaptation to the therapeutic process in children with cancer.

Differences between studies

The two studies differed in the target children, study methods, and outcomes assessed. The study on fenfluramine was a drug therapy study involving children with autism, while the study on animal-assisted therapy was a non-drug therapy study involving children with cancer.

Considerations for real-world application

Fenfluramine may help improve symptoms in autistic children, but it is important to recognize the risk of side effects. 1 If using fenfluramine, it is important to consult a doctor and carefully consider the risks and benefits before using it. Animal-assisted therapy can potentially provide psychological support and contribute to health improvement in children with cancer. 2 It is important to implement animal-assisted therapy under the guidance of experts.

Limitations of current research

The study on fenfluramine had a small sample size and the long-term effects are unknown, requiring further research. 1 The study on animal-assisted therapy was a descriptive study and cannot prove causality. 2 Future research needs to use larger sample sizes and assess long-term effects.

Future research directions

The study on fenfluramine needs to use larger sample sizes and assess long-term effects. Research is also needed to clarify the mechanisms of side effects and explore ways to mitigate them. The study on animal-assisted therapy needs to use a more rigorous design to prove causality. Research is also needed to explore ways to enhance the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy.

Conclusion

Fenfluramine may help improve symptoms in autistic children, but it is important to recognize the risk of side effects. 1 Animal-assisted therapy can potentially provide psychological support and contribute to health improvement in children with cancer. 2 It is important to select the appropriate treatment based on these research findings to improve the health of children.