https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/our-research/our-research-infrastructure/nihr-great-ormond-street-hospital-brc/brc-news/cannabidiol-trial-shows-reduction-seizures-children-dravet-syndrome/
Cannabidiol trial shows reduction in seizures for children with Dravet syndrome
30 May 2017, 12:58 p.m.
A trial conducted in Europe and the USA has shown that cannabidiol – a drug derived from cannabis but with the psycho-active elements removed – reduces seizures in children with a form of drug resistant epilepsy, known as Dravet syndrome.
The study was led by NIHR GOSH BRC cross cutting theme lead Professor Helen Cross, in collaboration with New York University.
In the trial one hundred and twenty children with Dravet syndrome across Europe and the USA were given two daily doses of cannabidiol orally for fourteen weeks. At the end of the study the average number of severe seizures reduced by nearly 40%. For 5% of patients, seizures stopped completely.
The research, Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant seizures in the Dravet Syndrome, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Read the press release.
New plan announced to get more children access to gene therapy treatments
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), supported by LifeArc and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity), has announced plans to revolutionise how children living with a rare disease can gain access to life-changing treatments that hav
First-of-its-kind study into the Ketogenic diet
A ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, shows promise as an alternative treatment option for infants with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Raising awareness on Rare Disease Day
To celebrate Rare Disease Day we invited patients and their families to try out 13 different hands-on and interactive fun and educational science and research activities for children and adults.
Stem cells collected in late pregnancy herald advances in prenatal medicine
A new pioneering approach, developed by researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital means human development can be observed in late pregnancy for the first time