ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus are medical emergencies that must be promptly treated in consideration of their high mortality and morbidity rate. Nevertheless, the available evidence of effective treatment of these conditions is scarce. Among novel antiseizure medications (ASMs), highly purified cannabidiol (hpCBD) has shown noteworthy efficacy in reducing seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present two cases of effective use of hpCBD in both refractory and super- refractory status epilepticus. The administration of the nasogastric tube permitted the resolution of status epilepticus without adverse events. At 6-month follow-up, both patients were on hpCBD treatment, which continued to be efficacious for treating seizures. CONCLUSION: According to our experience, hpCBD should be taken into consideration as an add-on therapy of RSE and SRSE while also considering the possibility of maintaining this treatment during the follow-up of patients. However, more studies and real-world experiences are needed to better understand its effectiveness in this setting and the interaction with other ASMs.
ABSTRACT
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy associated with numerous neurological signs and symptoms. Altered postural tone and the need for a caregiver-assisted wheelchair are features characterizing patients with LGS. Highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) is a novel antiseizure medication (ASM) recommended for seizure treatment, in combination with clobazam, in patients with LGS. Adding CBD to the previous ASM treatment helps in reducing seizure frequency, specifically drop seizures, in patients with LGS in both clinical trials and real-world studies. However, no data about drug effects on postural tone, motor activity, gait, and stability are available. In this case series, three adult patients diagnosed with LGS were treated with CBD as an add-on. During the follow-up, a slight improvement in seizure frequency was observed. Unexpectedly, an amelioration in postural tone and stability, measured using the validated Gross Motor Function Classification System, was also detected. Our case series suggests that CBD may help in managing patients with LGS regarding seizure control and in improving other aspects of the clinical spectrum of the disease, such as postural tone and stability. The mechanisms at the basis of this improvement may be related, other than seizure reduction, to the drug's effect on the brain locomotor centers, as demonstrated in animal model studies.
