In 28 infants with treatment-resistant infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, purified CBD achieved greater than 50% spasm reduction in 68% of patients, with 25% becoming spasm-free.
Pediatric neurologists, epileptologists, parents of children with IESS
68% response rate in treatment-resistant infantile spasms
What the researchers found
Of 28 infants with treatment-resistant IESS, 7 (25%) became spasm-free and 12 (43%) had >50% spasm reduction (total responder rate 67.8%). Response was notable in Down syndrome (5/7, 71%) and cerebral palsy (3/5, 60%). Median CBD dose was 25 mg/kg/day. Adverse effects were mild.
Why it matters
Infantile epileptic spasms are devastating and treatment-resistant cases have few options. A 68% response rate with good tolerability suggests CBD may fill an important gap, especially for infants with Down syndrome.
The numbers in context
28 infants; 67.8% responder rate; 25% spasm-free; 71% response in Down syndrome; median dose 25 mg/kg/day; baseline 69 spasms/day; mean follow-up 15 months.
How the study worked
Retrospective analysis of 28 infants with treatment-resistant IESS who received purified CBD (Epidyolex) as add-on therapy between July 2021 and June 2023. Mean follow-up 15 months.
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective, uncontrolled design. Small sample (n = 28). No placebo comparison. Heterogeneous etiologies.
How to read the evidence
Retrospective case series without controls, though consistent with CBD efficacy in other epilepsy syndromes.
When this study was published
2024 publication with 2021-2023 data
The bigger picture
CBD is already approved for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes and TSC. These results suggest its efficacy may extend to infantile epileptic spasms, particularly in genetic etiologies like Down syndrome.
Questions still open
- Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these response rates in IESS?
- What makes Down syndrome patients particularly responsive to CBD for epileptic spasms?
Common questions
Can CBD help with infantile spasms?
Is CBD safe for infants with epilepsy?
Read the original research
Purified cannabidiol as add-on therapy in children with treatment-resistant infantile epileptic spasms syndrome.
Seizure, 115, 94-99
Citation
Reyes Valenzuela, Gabriela; Gallo, Adolfo; Calvo, Agustin; Chacón, Santiago; Fasulo, Lorena; Galicchio, Santiago; Adi, Javier; Fortini, Pablo Sebastian; Caraballo, Roberto. (2024). Purified cannabidiol as add-on therapy in children with treatment-resistant infantile epileptic spasms syndrome.. Seizure, 115, 94-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2024.01.010
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