The use of cannabidiol in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in the UK Early Access Program: A retrospective chart review study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100731
• Publication Date: 2024-11-23T18:39:52Z
• Authors: Christin Eltze; Shaikha Alshehhi; Aisha Al Ghfeli; Kishan Vyas; Seeta Saravanai-P...; Gaelle Gusto; Artak Khachatryan; Marta Martinez; Archana Desurkar
• Keywords: Dravet syndrome; Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes from the UK Early Access Program in patients aged 2–17 years with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS) treated with plant-derived highly purified cannabidiol (CBD; Epidyolex®; 100 mg/mL oral solution). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of data collected from baseline (1 month before CBD treatment initiation) until 12 months’ treatment, CBD discontinuation, death, or loss to follow up. RESULTS: At baseline, all 26 patients enrolled (LGS, n = 17; DS, n = 9; male, 73 %; mean [range] age, 11.8 [3.0–17.0] years) experienced motor seizures; 92 % were taking ≥ 1 antiseizure medication. Median (IQR) CBD dosage at 6 months (6 M; n = 12) was 6.0 (2.7) mg/kg/day, and 12 months (12 M; n = 9) 7.3 (2.1) mg/kg/day. Median (IQR) percentage change from baseline for motor seizures was − 56.7 % (60.7) at 6 M (n = 20), and − 60.0 % (53.3) at 12 M (n = 15). Patients experiencing ≥ 50 % and ≥ 75 % reduction in motor seizures were 13/20 (65 %) and 5/20 (25 %) at 6 M, respectively, and 10/15 (67 %) and 6/15 (40 %) at 12 M, respectively. Mean (SD) motor seizure-free days/month were 1.5 (4.3) at baseline (n = 24, missing data n = 2), 2.4 (6.3) at 6 M (n = 18), and 2.7 (5.5) at 12 M (n = 15). At 12 M, CBD retention for patients with follow-up data was 14/19 (74 %), whilst 7/26 (27 %) were lost to follow up. The number of patients reporting ≥ 1 adverse event of special interest (most common: gastrointestinal) was 14/20 (70 %) and 8/15 (53 %) at 6 M and 12 M, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate a reduction in motor seizures and a safety profile consistent with previous studies.