Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 26, 2016
Current therapy for West syndrome in Japan
1Department of Pediatrics, Shiga Medical Center for Children, Tokyo, Japan. m-ito@qa2.so-net.ne.jp
Journal of Child Neurology
|June 27, 2000
Summary
Vitamin B6 is the preferred initial treatment for West syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Current therapies are not standardized, indicating a need for improved treatment protocols and further research in pediatric epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- West syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy in infants.
- Current treatment protocols for West syndrome lack standardization.
- Understanding current therapeutic practices is crucial for identifying areas for improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current therapeutic strategies for West syndrome in Japan.
- To identify the most frequently used first-line and subsequent treatments.
- To assess the current status of West syndrome management.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey was distributed to 208 institutions.
- Pediatric care members of the Japan Epilepsy Society were targeted.
- Response rate was 62% (129 institutions).
Main Results:
- Vitamin B6 monotherapy was the most common first-line treatment.
- Valproate (monotherapy or in combination with Vitamin B6) was the second choice.
- Corticotropin was the third-line option, with lower dosages than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- Current treatment for West syndrome in Japan is varied, with Vitamin B6 as a leading choice.
- The observed lower dosage of corticotropin suggests evolving treatment practices.
- Further research is essential to establish optimal therapeutic protocols for West syndrome.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
01:28Drug Therapy
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
01:30Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...