Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
24.0K
Adrenal function following ACTH therapy for infantile spasms: A retrospective study
J Bistritzer1, I Noyman2, G Hazan1
1Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|June 17, 2020
Summary
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment for infantile spasms (IS) in children is not associated with secondary adrenal insufficiency. This study found no clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency after ACTH therapy for IS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Infantile spasms (IS) is a severe epilepsy syndrome in infants.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a common treatment for IS.
- Concerns exist regarding potential secondary adrenal insufficiency following ACTH treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ACTH treatment for infantile spasms and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
- To evaluate adrenal function in children treated with ACTH for IS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of pediatric patients diagnosed with IS and treated with ACTH between 2007-2018.
- Review of medical records for laboratory assessment of adrenal function (low-dose ACTH test or morning cortisol).
- Analysis for laboratory or clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency.
Main Results:
- 14 children met inclusion criteria for post-treatment adrenal function assessment.
- Two patients had subnormal cortisol levels; none showed clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency.
- Results suggest ACTH treatment for IS does not lead to significant adrenal suppression.
Conclusions:
- ACTH treatment for infantile spasms appears safe regarding adrenal function.
- Findings contrast with some previous literature suggesting potential adrenal suppression.
- Further research may be warranted, but current data indicate low risk of adrenal insufficiency.
