Related Experiment Videos
[Low dose ACTH in infantile spasms. Effects and adverse effects]
1Paediatrisk afdeling, Amtssygehuset i Glostrup.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 2, 1996
Summary
Low-dose ACTH treatment effectively managed infantile spasms (West syndrome) in 84% of infants. While infections were observed, the treatment showed promising seizure control for infants with this rare neurological disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, are a severe form of epilepsy in infants.
- Cryptogenic and symptomatic cases present unique challenges in treatment and prognosis.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy and side-effects of low-dose ACTH treatment in infants with West syndrome.
- To determine the response rate and safety profile of this specific ACTH dosing regimen.
Summary:
- A retrospective study assessed 20 infants with infantile spasms treated with low-dose ACTH (0.25 mg x 2 i.m. weekly).
- 84% of infants showed a positive response, with 50% achieving complete seizure cessation.
- Four patients experienced infections, including pneumonia and meningitis, though causality was uncertain.
Impact:
- Low-dose ACTH therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in controlling seizures in West syndrome.
- This treatment approach offers a viable option with a manageable side-effect profile for infantile spasms.
- Further research into optimal ACTH dosing and long-term outcomes is warranted.