Cannabidiol Treatment for Refractory Seizures in Sturge-Weber syndrome

Abstract Background Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) results in leptomeningeal vascular malformations, medically-refractory epilepsy, stroke(s), and cognitive impairments. Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid without psychoactive properties, has been demonstrated in preclinical models to possibly have antico...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatric neurology 2017-06, Vol.71, p.18-23.e2
Main Authors: Kaplan, Emma H, Offermann, Elizabeth A, Sievers, Jacqueline W, Comi, Anne M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anticonvulsants - adverse effects
Anticonvulsants - therapeutic use
cannabidiol
Cannabidiol - adverse effects
Cannabidiol - therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Drug Resistant Epilepsy - complications
Drug Resistant Epilepsy - drug therapy
Female
Humans
intractable epilepsy
Male
Neurology
Pediatrics
Quality of Life
safety
Seizures - complications
Seizures - drug therapy
Sturge-Weber syndrome
Sturge-Weber Syndrome - complications
Sturge-Weber Syndrome - drug therapy
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) results in leptomeningeal vascular malformations, medically-refractory epilepsy, stroke(s), and cognitive impairments. Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid without psychoactive properties, has been demonstrated in preclinical models to possibly have anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective actions. Methods Five subjects with SWS brain involvement and treatment-resistant epilepsy were enrolled. Motor seizure frequency, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events were recorded from the 8 week pre-treatment period, 8 weeks after starting maintenance dose (Week 14), and most recent visit. Results Four subjects had data through Week 14; one of whom initially withdrew for lack of efficacy, but because of other benefits re-enrolled with a lower dose. Two subjects at Week 14 and three bilaterally brain involved subjects at last visit had greater than 50% seizure reduction, reported improved quality of life, and remain on CBD 63 to 80 weeks after starting drug. Three subjects reported mild side effects considered related to CBD. Conclusion This study suggests that CBD may be well-tolerated as adjunctive medication for seizure management and provides initial data supporting further study of CBD in SWS patients.
ISSN:0887-8994
1873-5150
DOI:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.02.009