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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
ACTH therapy for generalized seizures other than spasms
Akihisa Okumura1, Takeshi Tsuji, Toru Kato
1Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. okumura@med.juntendo.ac.jp
Seizure
|June 30, 2006
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy effectively treated intractable generalized seizures in most patients. However, seizure freedom was often temporary, highlighting the need to consider ACTH
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Intractable generalized seizures pose significant treatment challenges.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a potential therapeutic option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACTH for treating intractable generalized seizures, excluding infantile spasms.
- To analyze treatment outcomes in a cohort of pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 patients treated with ACTH between 1991 and 2003.
- Patients received ACTH at a median age of 42 months for various generalized seizure types.
- Efficacy assessed at the end of therapy, and at 3 months and 1 year post-therapy.
Main Results:
- 13 out of 15 patients achieved seizure freedom.
- Recurrence of seizures was observed in 6 patients within 3 months.
- ACTH demonstrated highest efficacy in atypical absence seizures, with lower doses and fewer injections compared to brief tonic seizures.
- Adverse effects were common but not severe.
Conclusions:
- ACTH therapy is effective for intractable generalized seizures other than spasms.
- The therapeutic benefits of ACTH can be transient, necessitating careful consideration of its limitations.
- ACTH remains a valuable option for specific generalized seizure types, but long-term efficacy requires further investigation.
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