Abstract Details

Title Medical Marijuana and Its Use in Treatment-Refractory Seizures: The Pittsburgh Experience

Topic Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology (EEG)

Presentation(s) P3 - Poster Session 3 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-015

Objective

To present interim results of our experience with cannabis-based therapies for various types of refractory seizures and to document its feasibility as an adjunctive treatment.

Background Epidiolex, a Cannabidiol (CBD) product, was recently approved by FDA as an adjunctive medication for the treatment-refractory patients of 2 years and older, diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. Medical marijuana is now legal in the state of Pennsylvania for patients with intractable epilepsy.

Design/Methods Eligible patients were enrolled in the Medical Marijuana Program between January and October of 2018. Data was collected via both phone interviews and review of medical records and is ongoing. Reported frequency, type, and intensity of seizures were assessed before and 3 months after the start-date and on each follow up visit. Other factors such as behavior, mood, and energy level were assessed based on QOLIE-10-P.

Results From January 2018, 22 (30% male, 70% female) patients were enrolled. When contacted by phone, 2 patients had not yet begun treatment and 3 did not respond. Preliminary analysis of the 17 patients with post-transition follow-up longer than 3 months revealed: mean age of 36.8 years (range 18-65), minimum AED of 2 with a reported decrease in seizure-frequency by at least 50% in 12 patients, increase by 50% in 2, and indeterminate in 3 due to a late start. Various CBD preparations were used: 6 patients with 1:1 CBD- Δ(9) - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 5 with 10:1 CBD-THC, 2 with 1:5 CBD-THC and 4 were uncertain about their preparation. Patients, on average, reported lower levels of fear and anxiety with improved energy post-transition.

Conclusions Preliminary data documents the feasibility of utilizing CBD for treatment-refractory seizures. Although data collection is ongoing, preliminary data support optimism in multiple areas including decrease in seizure frequency and improved metrics for patient satisfaction.

Authors/Disclosures
Bahareh Sianati, MD (Allegheny General Hospital - Neurology) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
James P. Valeriano, MD (Allegheny Neurological Associates)	Dr. Valeriano has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for ucb. Dr. Valeriano has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for neurilis.

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