Tetrahydrocannabinol in Pediatrics: Room for Improvement?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Medical cannabis use in pediatrics is uncommon.
• Prospective studies are lacking, especially in pediatric subpopulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide data on the off-label administration of tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) in a pediatric tertiary center.
• To assess the use of ∆9-THC in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data analysis from 2016-2018.
• Examined use of ∆9-THC at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna.

Main Results:

• Common diagnoses included brain cancer and genetic diseases (e.g., inborn metabolic disorders).
• 32 patients received ∆9-THC, with an average of 9.42 diagnoses and 13.52 other drugs.
• 11 patients (34%) died during the study, suggesting palliative use.

Conclusions:

• ∆9-THC was administered to severely ill pediatric patients.
• Lack of recorded indications, duration, and dosage poses patient safety risks.