Outcome in West syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the seizure and developmental outcome in children with West syndrome with respect to treatment lag.


METHODS
Twenty-six children satisfying inclusion criteria of West syndrome i.e., infantile spasms, psychomotor retardation and abnormal EEG pattern were prospectively evaluated. Response to treatment was assessed based on seizure control, EEG, developmental assessment and parental observations.


RESULTS
The time lag from onset of seizures to appropriate treatment was <1 month in 11 children; 1-6 months in 8 children; and >6 months in 7 children. Children with treatment lag <1 month fared better than those who had a large treatment lag (P<0.05). Children with good seizure control also showed better developmental improvement (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Children with West syndrome have better seizure control and development, if the treatment is started within 1 month of onset of symptoms.
Sharma
Natwar Lal
NL
Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India. drnutties2000@yahoo.co.in
Vishwanthan
Venkataraman
V
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone