AAN issues new guideline for infantile spasms

MINNEAPOLIS – The American Academy of Neurology has issued an updated guideline outlining the best treatments for infantile spasms. The guideline, which was co-developed with the Child Neurology Society, is published in the June 12, 2012, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The guideline found that the hormone therapy adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as ACTH, may be effective for treatment of infantile spasms. The seizure drug [[vigabatrin]] may also be considered for treatment, although evidence suggests ACTH may be more effective than vigabatrin. For children with seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex, however, vigabatrin may be more effective.

The guideline, which is based on a review of all available evidence on treatment for infantile spasms and is an update of a guideline published in 2004, also found that low-dose ACTH is probably as effective as high-dose ACTH and it may lower the risk of side effects.

There is not enough evidence to know whether other treatments, alone or combined, are effective in treating infantile spasms, according to the guideline.

The guideline recommends that early diagnosis and early treatment may lead to better long-term outcomes for children's development and learning skills.

Guideline

Update: Medical Treatment of Infantile Spasms