[Infantile spasms]

Infantile spasms are an epileptic manifestation typical of infancy. The spasms may be associated with a wide spectrum of brain abnormalities and diseases, but coexisting pathology is not always found. Prognosis depends to a substantial extent on the underlying condition. Most of the traditional antiepileptics are not effective. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and more recently vigabatrin are the most common first-line medications.

We have performed a literature search mainly in the PubMed database on the treatment of infantile spasms. The results are discussed in relation to Norwegian practice, for which the Norwegian Paediatric Society's recommendations are the main guidelines.

Vigabatrin has emerged as an accepted first-line medication for infantile spasms in Norway and many other countries, although it has not been shown that this therapy in general is as effective as ACTH/steroids. Well-designed treatment studies have been difficult to carry out. Until the final results of such ongoing studies should give different signals, it seems reasonable to continue to give vigabatrin before hormones. Oral steroids can probably be tried before ACTH, although a firm conclusion about this has yet to be drawn.