title: [Low dose ACTH in infantile spasms. Effects and adverse effects].
abstract: A total of 20 infants with cryptogenic (n = 7) or symptomatic (n = 13) infantile spasms (West syndrome) who received low-dose ACTH treatment 0.25 mg x 2 i.m. (25 units x 2) per week for four to eight weeks were evaluated in an uncontrolled retrospective study for short- and long-term efficacy and side-effects of the treatment. In ten infants (50%) cessation of the seizures was seen, and six improved, i.e. a response rate of 84%. Side-effects in the form of infections were seen in four patients. Two developed pneumonia, one fever of unknown origin and one a purulent meningitis 12 hours after start of treatment, but a cause and effect relationship is questionable.
authors.affiliation: Paediatrisk afdeling, Amtssygehuset i Glostrup.
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Kvorning
authors.forename: F U
authors.initials: FU
authors.lastname: Knudsen
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone