[Low dose ACTH in infantile spasms. Effects and adverse effects].

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.