Updated review confirms cannabidiol likely reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy
An updated systematic review of 35 studies, including four RCTs, found cannabidiol probably reduces seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy but increases gastrointestinal side effects.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Data from both RCTs and non-randomized studies suggest cannabidiol reduces seizure frequency as adjunctive treatment, though RCTs showed no statistically significant difference for seizure freedom, quality of life, or sleep disruption compared to placebo.
Key Numbers
35 studies analyzed (12 new since April 2018), including 4 RCTs. Seizure freedom RR: 6.77 (95% CI 0.36-128.38). Quality of life MD: 0.6 (95% CI -2.6 to 3.9).
How They Did This
Updated systematic review searching for studies published through May 2019. Included RCTs and non-randomized studies of cannabis-based products in children with epilepsy. Four RCTs and 31 non-randomized studies were analyzed.
Why This Research Matters
This updated review adds 12 new studies since 2018 and provides the most comprehensive evidence summary for cannabidiol in pediatric epilepsy, confirming earlier findings of seizure frequency reduction.
The Bigger Picture
While CBD does not appear to achieve seizure freedom more than placebo, its ability to reduce seizure frequency in treatment-resistant cases represents a meaningful option for families who have exhausted conventional therapies.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Wide confidence intervals for seizure freedom reflect small sample sizes. Most studies used CBD as adjunctive treatment, making it difficult to isolate its independent effect. Increased GI adverse events are a concern.
Questions This Raises
- ?What is the optimal CBD dosing for pediatric epilepsy?
- ?Can the gastrointestinal side effects be managed to improve tolerability?
- ?Does long-term CBD use maintain its seizure-reducing effects?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 35 studies reviewed, including 4 RCTs
- Evidence Grade:
- Strong: systematic review incorporating multiple RCTs and non-randomized studies with structured methodology.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020 in Seizure.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review.
- Published In:
- Seizure, 75, 18-22 (2020)
- Authors:
- Elliott, Jesse(3), DeJean, Deirdre(3), Clifford, Tammy(3), Coyle, Doug, Potter, Beth K, Skidmore, Becky, Alexander, Christine, Repetski, Alexander E, Shukla, Vijay, McCoy, Bláthnaid, Wells, George A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02531
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD cure epilepsy in children?
No. The review found CBD did not significantly increase seizure freedom compared to placebo. However, it appears to reduce how often seizures occur, which can still be meaningful for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
What were the side effects?
Children taking CBD had an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to placebo. The review noted this as a consistent finding across studies.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02531APA
Elliott, Jesse; DeJean, Deirdre; Clifford, Tammy; Coyle, Doug; Potter, Beth K; Skidmore, Becky; Alexander, Christine; Repetski, Alexander E; Shukla, Vijay; McCoy, Bláthnaid; Wells, George A. (2020). Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review.. Seizure, 75, 18-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2019.12.006
MLA
Elliott, Jesse, et al. "Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated systematic review.." Seizure, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2019.12.006
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis-based products for pediatric epilepsy: An updated s..." RTHC-02531. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/elliott-2020-cannabisbased-products-for-pediatric
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.