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Two-center experience of cannabidiol use in adults with Dravet syndrome

Silvennoinen, K; Ritter, LM; Nashef, L; Hudgell, K; Balestrini, S; Sisodiya, SM; Sidhu, MK; (2021) Two-center experience of cannabidiol use in adults with Dravet syndrome. Seizure , 91 pp. 5-8. 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.05.014. Green open access

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Abstract

We describe real-world experience with cannabidiol (CBD) in adults with Dravet Syndrome (DS) via GW Pharma early access programme at two UK neurology centres. Adults with genetically-confirmed DS had CBD added to existing therapy, titrated up to 20 mg/kg, as tolerated. The primary outcome measure was percentage reduction in convulsive seizures. Secondary outcome measures included changes in myoclonic seizures, and in cognition and quality of life as assessed by the Caregiver Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and incidence of adverse events (AEs). 18 adults (7 female; median age 27.5 years; range 20–51) were included. Median follow-up was 176 days. In one, another antiseizure drug, clobazam, was introduced during the programme. 3/17 (17.6%) had >30% reduction in convulsive seizures (range: 87.5–100%). AEs occurred in all, the most common being transaminitis (52.9%). Behavioural AEs led to discontinuation in 3/18 (16.7%), including a seizure-free responder. In 7/18, CBD was stopped due to lack of effect. 8/18 continue on treatment. Improvements in CGIC were reported in 41.2% and 47.1% by physicians and families, respectively. 17.6% achieved sufficient reduction in convulsive seizure frequency to qualify for NHS funding. AEs led to withdrawal in only 16.7%. Close monitoring and dose adjustments of other antiseizure drugs were necessary.

Type: Article
Title: Two-center experience of cannabidiol use in adults with Dravet syndrome
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.05.014
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2021.05.014
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Epilepsy, Seizures, Antiseizure medication
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology > Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10129431
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