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A Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling Technique to Monitor Cannabidiol Levels in Epilepsy Patients
Sara Dubois1, Francesca Marchese2, Federica Pigliasco3
1Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) effectively measures cannabidiol (CBD) blood levels in epilepsy patients. This method supports personalized CBD therapy by enabling accurate drug monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Neurology
Background:
- Cannabis-based therapies, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), are gaining traction for epilepsy treatment due to their non-psychoactive properties.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial for managing potential drug interactions and toxicity associated with CBD.
- Refractory epilepsy presents a significant challenge, necessitating advanced monitoring techniques for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) method coupled with LC-MS/MS for quantifying CBD blood levels.
- To assess the feasibility of VAMS for monitoring CBD in patients with refractory epilepsy.
- To compare CBD levels measured in capillary blood via VAMS with those in plasma obtained through venipuncture.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving patients with Dravet syndrome receiving GW-purified CBD (Epidyolex®).
- Collection of blood samples via venipuncture for plasma analysis and VAMS for capillary blood analysis.
- Quantification of CBD concentrations using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Main Results:
- Five patients with a mean age of 13 years were enrolled.
- CBD levels measured by VAMS in capillary blood showed strong correlation with plasma levels from venipuncture (R² > 0.93).
- No significant differences were observed between the two sampling methods.
Conclusions:
- Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) is a viable method for monitoring plasma cannabidiol (CBD) levels.
- VAMS offers a valuable tool for supporting personalized therapy in patients with refractory epilepsy.
- This proof-of-concept study validates VAMS for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of CBD.
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