ACTH versus vigabatrin therapy in infantile spasms: a retrospective study

Neurology. 1999 May 12;52(8):1691-4. doi: 10.1212/wnl.52.8.1691.

Abstract

ACTH is the standard treatment for infantile spasms (IS) in North America. Recent reports showed that vigabatrin is a valuable treatment for IS, but comparative studies with ACTH are limited. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of ACTH versus vigabatrin on IS. Our results support that vigabatrin is as effective as and better tolerated than ACTH. Because of their similar efficacy, we believe that vigabatrin should be the first intention drug for the treatment of IS.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / adverse effects
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spasms, Infantile / drug therapy*
  • Vigabatrin
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / adverse effects
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Vigabatrin