Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Explore the latest content from across our publications
Join The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Log In

Forgot Password?
Create New Account

Loading... please wait

Abstract Details

Keep Off the Grass: Artisanal versus Pharmaceutical Cannabidiol in Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy Patients
Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology
P16 - Poster Session 16 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
5-008
We hypothesize that cannabidiol (CBD) levels will be higher in patients taking pharmaceutical versus artisanal CBD and higher CBD levels will be associated with increased side effects and decreased seizure frequency.
CBD is a neuroactive Cannabis-derivative with antiseizure properties. Pharmaceutical CBD was FDA-approved for the management of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome in June 2018 but artisanal CBD has utilized in various preparations since the late 1970s. These CBD preparations have varying manufacturing techniques and contain variable amounts of CBD/THC. It is our practice, when appropriate, to encourage transition from artisanal to pharmaceutical CBD.

This is an IRB-approved retrospective chart review. We included patients with epilepsy treated with artisanal and/or pharmaceutical CBD who had serum CBD levels. Patients were identified by treating neurologists.

We recorded name, medical record number, date of birth, gender, epilepsy diagnosis, artisanal CBD dosage/concentration, pharmaceutical CBD dose, serum CBD level, seizure history, response to medication (percent reduction in motor seizures), and reported side effects.
31 patients met inclusion criteria, 48% female, mean age 10.1-years-old (range 3-20-years-old). Epilepsy syndromes were LGS 32%, Dravet 6%, and other epilepsy syndromes 62%. This includes 22 patients participating in a pharmaceutical CBD expanded access program from 9/2017-3/2019. Mean serum CBD level was 30.1 ng/mL in artisanal group and 124 ng/mL in pharmaceutical group. At last follow-up (median follow-up 11.8 months (IQR 3.6-17.5 months), patients on artisanal CBD had 70% increase in overall seizures, while prescription CBD group had 39% reduction. 11 patients reported adverse effects (somnolence, emesis, diarrhea, diminished appetite), 6 of whom discontinued CBD due to side effects (all were in the prescription CBD group).

Pharmaceutical CBD achieves higher serum CBD levels and achieves better seizure control than artisanal CBD in refractory pediatric epilepsy patients. This group also reported increased adverse side effects.

Authors/Disclosures
Nathan T. Cohen, MD (Children's National Hospital)
PRESENTER 		The institution of Dr. Cohen has received research support from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ (Career Development Award). The institution of Dr. Cohen has received research support from Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation/Child Neurology Foundation (Shields Research Grant). Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a CME Speaker (Honorarium) with American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Cohen has a non-compensated relationship as a Member (Editorial Board) with Neurology: Clinical Practice that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities. Dr. Cohen has a non-compensated relationship as a Member (Scientific Program Committee, Pediatric Content Committee) with American Epilepsy Society that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities. Dr. Cohen has a non-compensated relationship as a Member (Research and Training Council, Investigators Workshop Committee, Pediatric Content Committee) with American Epilepsy Scoiety that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities.
Joan A. Conry, MD (Children's National Medical Center) No disclosure on file
John M. Schreiber, MD (Children'S National Medical Center) Dr. Schreiber has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neurocrine. Dr. Schreiber has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Xenon. Dr. Schreiber has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Zogenix. The institution of Dr. Schreiber has received research support from Dravet Syndrome Foundation.