Abstract
In the present study the initial therapy for infantile spasms was evaluated. Three groups of patients on different therapeutic methods were compared: group A, on ACTH-Z in a dose of 0.25mg a day, group B, on ketogenic diet in a ratio of 2-3: 1 of Woodyatt index combined with ACTH-Z, and group C, on sodium-dipropylacetate (DPA) in a dose of 30-50 mg/kg a day combined with ACTH-Z. Treatment was continued for 10 to 14 days. Whenobjective disappearance of jerks and hypsarhythmia was observed, the treatment was evaluated as effective. Results were as follows.
1) 19 of 33 cases in group A, 3 of 7 cases in group B and 7 of 8 cases in group C were evaluated as effective.
2) DPA administration with ACTH-Z was evaluated as effective in 3 of 4 cases with subdural effusion or congenital cerebral defects.
3) The subdural-peritoneal shunting operation was evaluated as effective in only 1 of 3 cases of infantile spasms with bilateral subdural effusion.
