Pitolisant in an Adolescent with Prader-Willi Syndrome

J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2021;26(4):405-410. doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.4.405. Epub 2021 May 19.

Abstract

This case report evaluates the potential benefit of pitolisant in a 15-year-old female with Prader-Willi syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and mild intellectual disability. Due to its action on the H3 receptor, it enhances central activity of histaminergic neurons resulting in increased alertness, irrespective of the loss of orexin neurons seen in narcolepsy. Additionally, it is thought to modulate various other neurotransmitter systems including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Pitolisant has the potential to improve many symptoms in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and it appears to be well tolerated with minimal side effects observed. Therefore, the use of pitolisant should be considered in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who fail a psychostimulant trial.

Keywords: Prader-Willi syndrome; case report; histamine-H3 receptor antagonist; pediatric; pitolisant.