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Indian Pediatr 2021;58:54-66 |
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Association of Child
Neurology (AOCN) Indian Epilepsy Society (IES) Consensus
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of West Syndrome
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Suvasini Sharma, 1 Jaya
Shankar Kaushik,2 Kavita
Srivastava,3 Jyotindra
Narayan Goswami,4 Jitendra
Kumar Sahu,5 Kollencheri
Puthenveettil Vinayan6 and
Rekha Mittal7
From Department of Pediatrics, 1Lady Hardinge Medical College,
New Delhi; 2Department of Pediatrics, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India;
3Department of Pediatrics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical
College, Pune, Maharasthra, India; 4Department of Pediatrics, Army
Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India; 5Division of Pediatric Neurology, Advanced Centre of Pediatrics, Postgraduate
Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India;
6Department of Pediatric Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical
Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India; 7Department of Pediatric Neurology,
Madhukar Rainbow Childrens Hospital, Delhi, India; for the AOCN-IES
Expert Committee.*
*Full list of members provided in Annexure I
Correspondence: Dr. Suvasini Sharma, Associate Professor, Department
of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children
Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Email: [email protected]
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Justification: West syndrome is one of the
commonest causes of epilepsy in infants and young children and is a
significant contributor to neurodevelopmental morbidity. Multiple
regimens for treatment are in use. Process: An expert group
consisting of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists was
constituted. Experts were divided into focus groups and had interacted
on telephone and e-mail regarding their group recommendations, and
developed a consensus. The evidence was reviewed, and for areas where
the evidence was not certain, the Delphi consensus method was adopted.
The final guidelines were circulated to all experts for approval.
Recommendations: Diagnosis should be based on clinical recognition
(history/home video recordings) of spasms and presence of hypsarrhythmia
or its variants on electroencephalography. A magnetic resonance imaging
of the brain is the preferred neuroimaging modality. Other
investigations such as genetic and metabolic testing should be planned
as per clinico-radiological findings. Hormonal therapy (adrenocorticotropic
hormone or oral steroids) should be preferred for cases other than
tuberous sclerosis complex and vigabatrin should be the first choice for
tuberous sclerosis complex. Both ACTH and high dose prednisolone have
reasonably similar efficacy and adverse effect profile for West
syndrome. The choice depends on the preference of the treating physician
and the family, based on factors of cost, availability of infrastructure
and personnel for daily intramuscular injections, and monitoring side
effects. Second line treatment options include anti-epileptic drugs (vigabatrin,
sodium valproate, topiramate, zonisamide, nitrazepam and clobazam),
ketogenic diet and epilepsy surgery.
Keywords: Epileptic spasms, Hypsarrhythmia, Infantile spasms,
Treatment.
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W est syndrome (WS) is one of the commonest
types of epilepsy in infants and toddlers and is a significant
contributor to neurodevelopmental morbi-dity in children. Common
co-morbidities include global developmental delay/intellectual
disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and visual
and hearing impairment. The currently preferred term for
infantile spasm is epileptic spasm.WS is now understood to be an
age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy, an expression of brain
injury to any cause; which may be pre-natal, perinatal or
postnatal. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not well
understood.
In India, the situation is compounded by a
huge time lag from onset to diagnosis reported median lag is
almost 6-12 months as compared with a few weeks in the
developing countries. There is also a lack precise knowledge on
the disease among pediatricians. Other challenges include
paucity of trained personnel to report pediatric
electroencephalograms (EEG), high cost of investigative work up,
and availability issues with first line treatments such as
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and vigabatrin. The plethora
of regimens mentioned in the literature adds to the confusion. A
consensus guideline for the diagnostic evaluation and management
of children with WS in India has been a long felt need.
PROCESS
The process of preparing a consensus document
on the diagnosis and management of WS was initiated by the
members of Association of Child Neurology (AOCN). In association
with Indian Epilepsy Society (IES), a consensus document was
envisaged on the same. The invited experts included
pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, neurologists, and
epileptologists (Annexure 1), who were categorized into
one of five groups: definitions, etiology, early diagnosis and
prognosis; diagnostic evaluation; hormonal treatment; vigabatrin
and other drugs; and diet, surgery and supportive care. First
the evidence was reviewed. For areas where the evidence was not
certain, the Delphi consensus method was adopted [6]. The
writing group members of each group identified a set of open-
ended questions which were discussed in their respective groups.
These open-ended questions were administered using Google form
to all experts. In this process, the experts gave their opinions
to the moderator, who anonymized the responses and sent them
back to all experts. A guarantor ensured that responses were
blinded and the methodology of Delphi was adopted.
The responses to the open-ended questions
obtained were qualitatively analyzed, and similar responses were
categorized, clubbed and converted into closed ended responses.
Based on these responses, new questions with close-ended
responses were framed. These questions were again sent to
experts in the second round. Their responses were collated and
presented in the meeting of experts. Categorical responses where
more than 75% of experts agreed on single response were
considered to have reached a consensus. The concerns,
discrepancies and responses where consensus was not reached
(<75% agreement) were polled again using audience response
system. Questions where polling did not reach 75% consensus were
re-polled. Any question where second polling also failed to
establish a consensus were considered as having failed to reach
the same, and the data was presented as a range rather than a
definitive response.
A final consensus meeting was held on 1
September, 2019 at Delhi. The coordinator of each group made a
presentation of the draft document for consensus. Deliberations
were held, and inputs and suggestions by the various
participating members were incorporated into the document. The
final document was prepared and circulated to all the
participating members for inputs and approval.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Definition
As per the 2004 International Delphi
consensus statement on WS[1], definitions of clinical spasms,
epileptic spasms, and WS were framed (Box 1). Spasms may
be confused with myoclonic seizures but the longer duration,
presence of a tonic phase, occurrence in clusters and the
relationship with the sleep wake cycle help to differentiate
spasms from myoclonic seizures [1]. Differentiation from
paroxysmal non-epileptic pheno-mena in typically developing
children such as benign myoclonus, benign myoclonic epilepsy of
infancy, Sandifer syndrome, etc may require video telemetry with
concurrent surface electromyography. As per the International
League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2017 seizure and epilepsy
classification, epileptic spasms may be of focal, generalized or
unknown onset [2].
Box I Terms Related to Infantile
Spasms and West Syndrome
Clinical spasms: Brief,
synchronous movements involving head, trunk, and limbs,
or sometimes of the head, trunk, or limbs alone
occurring for around 1 second (0.5-2 sec). These may be
flexor/extensor/ mixed and may be symmetric/ asymmetric
[8]. Spasms typically occur in clusters and are seen
before falling asleep or when waking up from sleep [8].
Subtle spasms: Episodes of
activities such as head-nod, facial grimacing, eye
movements, yawning, gasping associated with
hypsarrhythmia.
Infantile spasms single spasm
variant (ISSV): Infantile spasms occurring singly
and not in clusters [8].
Epileptic spasms: Clinical
spasms associated with an epileptiform
electroencephalogram [EEG].
Epileptic spasms without
hypsarrhythmia: Presence of clinical spasms and
epileptiform abnormalities other than hypsarrhythmia or
its variants on EEG [8].
*West syndrome: Children
with epileptic spasms in clusters with EEG showing
hypsarrhythmia or its variants [7].
*Some definitions include the
presence of pre-morbid or co-morbid developmental delay
or regression, but in the West Delphi 2004 consensus,
the development criterion has not been included.
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1. Consensus Statement: Definitions
WS is defined as the presence of
epileptic spasms (usually in clusters) and the presence of
hypsarrhythmia or variant hypsarrhythmia on EEG [7].
Children with clinical spasms but EEG
not showing hypsarrhythmia or its variants should have an
overnight EEG and be referred for expert evaluation. A
repeat EEG may be considered in such patients as an early
EEG may miss hypsarrhythmia. Specialist may also consider
treating these children similar to West syndrome.
Children who have hypsarrhythmia on EEG
but no clinical spasms must be referred for expert
evaluation. Such children may have subtle spasms, which may
be missed by parents and may be picked up on a video EEG
recording. Home videos may also assist in picking up subtle
spasms.
Etiology
Most recent studies classify spasms into two
broad categories- known and unknown etiology. Known causes can
further be classified into pre-natal, perinatal and postnatal,
depending on the timing of central nervous system insult.
Another classification scheme is as per the new ILAE 2017
classification [2], wherein the etiology is classified into
structural-metabolic, genetic, infectious, etc. However, this
can be a bit confusing as there may be overlaps; e.g. tuberous
sclerosis may be classified as both structural and genetic. For
practical purposes, the etiology should be classified as known
or unknown. If known, the exact etiology should be mentioned.
The etiological profile of WS in India is
different, as compared with the developed world, where genetic
and presumed genetic (unknown etiology) is higher. In India, the
etiology is known in 80-85% of affected children [3,4].
Perinatal causes, including perinatal hypoxia and neonatal
hypoglycemia are the most predominant [3,4].
Diagnosis of WS
Clinical suspicion remains the cornerstone of
diagnosis of epileptic spasms. An evaluation including a
thorough history, examination and EEG are important in the
diagnosis of infantile spasms. As etiology is the most important
predictor of outcome, efforts should be made to establish the
underlying etiology, as this may also affect the treatment
decisions and prognosis; e.g. children with tuberous sclerosis
complex are more likely to respond to VGB, while most with
unidentified etiology may respond better to steroids. The
evaluation should follow a step wise process to avoid
unnecessary tests, due to the costs involved (Fig. 1).
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Fig. 1 Diagnostic algorithm for
child with West syndrome.
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Electroencephalography (EEG)
An EEG (preferably video-EEG) is the most
important tool in diagnosis and management of epileptic spasms,
and the following protocol may be followed:
Basic level: Recording for sufficient
length to capture sleep is strongly recommended and if achieved,
further recording for at least 10 minutes after awakening should
be attempted, as epileptic spasms occur very often in that
period. The EEG should be planned preferentially during
spontaneous sleep and after feeding. This may require planning
arrangements with parents. In infants whose EEG is abnormal and
the epileptic spasms have not been captured during the EEG, a
home video is suitable to establish presence of clinical spasms.
Advanced level: If there is diagnostic
uncertainty e.g. if EEG is not diagnostic or spasms are not
observed, a prolonged overnight inpatient video EEG recording
for 24 hours with polygraphic (with neck and bilateral deltoid
EMG) parameters is desirable as it will capture awake as well as
all sleep stages and possibly also capture spasms. However, if
inpatient facilities are not available, a prolonged EEG record
for 2-4 hours to capture stage 2 of non-REM sleep followed by 30
minutes after awakening should be considered [5]. Long term
video EEG may also pick up other coexisting seizure types, as
noted in 22% of infants with epileptic spasms in a study;
especially in those who had etiology of preterm birth or birth
asphyxia [6].
Depending on the clinical and EEG findings,
the level of diagnostic certainty can be classified as
confirmed, probable and possible WS according to following
criteria [1,5]:
a) Confirmed WS: When
interictal EEG shows hypsarrhythmia (or its variants) along
with either electroclinical documentation (ictal EEG showing
electrodecremental response) or home video showing cluster
of spasms.
b) Probable WS (High diagnostic
certainty): When clinical history is suggestive of
spasms but EEG shows multifocal discharges but not
hypsarhythmia or its variants.
c) Possible WS (Low diagnostic
certainty): When history of spasms is doubtful, and EEG
shows multifocal discharges and not hypsarhythmia or its
variants
Depending on the clinical and EEG findings,
the level of diagnostic certainty can be classified as
confirmatory, probable and possible WS [1,5]. In probable or
possible cases, parents should be encouraged to bring home video
of the spasms. Repeat EEG at advanced level can be planned to
record hypsarrhythmia or spasms.
Following the initiation of any first line
treatment, the efficacy of therapy should be assessed within 2-3
weeks; in terms of cessation of spasms and resolution of
hypsarrhythmia on EEG [4]. If no/partial response to treatment
is seen, a repeat EEG may be considered to plan the next level
of treatment. EEG should also be repeated after 2 weeks if the
first EEG is normal or inconclusive, or if there is a
suspicion of additional/change in seizure type, which may occur
in 12-42.3% of cases [6]. If focal abnormalities are identified
in infants with additional focal seizures, further
investigations like high resolution multi-modality magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI)/ positron emission tomography (PET) can
be planned to search for a resectable lesion [6].
2. Consensus statement: EEG for Suspected
West Syndrome
EEG evaluation with standard 10-20
system of electrode placement with preferably 3 additional
surface EMG electrode channels (over the neck and bilateral
deltoids) is recommended within 24-48 hours of suspected
diagnosis. Video-EEG recording of at least 30 minutes of
sleep followed by brief awake state should be attempted to
capture hypsarrhythmia and ictal correlate of spasms.
Prolonged video EEG recording may be
required if the EEG is not diagnostic or the spasms are not
observed or there is uncertainty regarding the diagnosis.
Sleep may be induced using chloral
hydrate, triclofos, or melatonin; although, natural sleep is
preferred. The diagnostic patterns include inter-ictal
pattern of hypsarrhythmia or its variants and ictal patterns
of spasms.
Repeat EEG may be considered:
- After clinical cessation of spasms,
to document resolution of hypsarrhythmia on EEG;
- If the first EEG was normal/
inconclusive;
- If there is suspicion of
additional/change in seizure type; and
- If the there is no/partial clinical
improvement.
EEG Patterns of WS
EEG background is mostly abnormal during both
wakefulness and sleep. The inter-ictal patterns vary according
to the underlying pathology, age and stage of sleep.
Inter-ictal patterns:
a. Hypsarrhythmia: This term
describes a characteristic high voltage, completely
disorganized and chaotic pattern consisting of random high
voltage slow waves and spikes. These spikes vary from moment
to moment, both in location and duration. At onset,
hypsarrhythmia may be present only during drowsiness and
light sleep, but soon becomes abundant during wakefulness.
During stage 2 and 3, there is an increase in the spikes and
polyspikes; which become more synchronous, causing
fragmentation of the hypsarrhythmic activity, giving a
quasi-periodic appearance [5,7]. The hypsarrhythmia pattern
usually attenuates in REM sleep. Capturing wakefulness after
sleep is crucial to demonstrate the chaotic background
activity considered typical of hypsarrhythmia.
b. Hypsarrhythmia variants/ modified
hypsarrhythmia: Up to 33% patients do not show
hypsarrhythmia [7]. Several variants have been described:
rapid, slow, asymmetric, unilateral and even suppression
burst like patterns [8]. Many of these variations correlate
with neuropathology. Asymmetric hypsarrhythmia constituted
23% of cases with hypsarrhythmia in a study and indi-cates
the importance of identifying focal hemispheric
abnormalities like cortical dysplasia; more so if in
in-fants with asymmetric spasms [9]. Also, hypsarr-hythmia
may not be seen in late onset spasms [9].
Ictal EEG pattern (during spasms):
The most common pattern seen in 72% of the attacks is a brief
duration (1-5 sec) three phased pattern: a) diffuse high
amplitude slow wave, b) low amplitude fast activity, and
c) short lasting diffuse flattening of ongoing activity
(electro-decremental response) [10]. In asymmetric spasms, there
may be focal discharges preceding, during or following it;
indicating the side with focal cortical lesion.
Evolution of EEG: On effective
treatment, rapid improvement in EEG is seen, which may even
completely normalize. However, resolution of hypsarrhythmia with
persistence of background abnormalities occurs more frequently,
as a reflection of underlying abnormalities. In most symptomatic
cases, there is return of spike wave discharges with development
of other seizure types [11]. The chaotic pattern gradually
becomes more organized and disappears by 2-4 years and may
evolve into other abnormal patterns [12].
Neuro-imaging Studies
If available and feasible, MRI is preferred
over Computed Tomography (CT) scan in view of higher yield of
abnormalities. Early MRI (T2, T1, FLAIR) with epilepsy protocol
should be considered to reach an etiologic diagnosis. However,
treatment should not be delayed if MRI cannot be done
immediately due to lack of availability or need of anesthesia.
One third of cases considered idiopathic on
clinical assessment enter the symptomatic category of
structural-metabolic following the MRI scan. In the National
Infantile Spasms Consortium, a causal abnormality was identified
in 40.9% of infants who underwent MRI with epilepsy protocol,
making it the highest yield test [13]. Common abnormalities
picked up in Indian scenario include sequelae of perinatal
asphyxia and hypoglycemia.
Timing of MRI: Ideally MRI should
be obtained prior to initiation of therapy, as
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy may cause transient
abnormalities that may be falsely misinterpreted as brain
atrophy. Also, Vigabatrin (VGB) can induce T2 signal
abnormalities [14]. On the other hand, MRI done in early infancy
may miss cortical dysplasias in view of immature myelination
[15].
Repeat MRI: If initial MRI is
normal, and seizures persist, MRI may be repeated after 6
months, and certainly at 24-30 months age when myelination is
more mature [11].
Additional neuroimaging studies: Magnetic
resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can help to delineate a possible
metabolic or mitochondrial cause. Areas of hypo metabolism on a
Positron emission tomogram (PET) may indicate a cortical
malformation. PET may be important in a child with asymmetric
spasms, focal EEG changes and a normal MRI of the brain.
Positive PET localization has led to seizure remission following
the resection surgery done (based on the PET finding) even with
a normal MRI [16]. Ictal and interictal single photon emission
computed tomography (SPECT) has been used to aid in the
localization of the epileptic focus in children with asymmetric
infantile spasms who are being evaluated for surgery.
3. Consensus Statement: Neuroimaging in WS
MRI is the neuroimaging modality of
choice, and should be considered for etiologic diagnosis in
children with WS. However, if it is delayed for any reason,
treatment should be started without waiting for the imaging.
In low-resource settings, if there is
clear history of perinatal asphyxia or neonatal
hypoglycemia, an initial CT scan may suffice. However, if
the CT is normal, an MRI must definitely be considered.
If the first MRI is normal, repeat MRI
(preferably 3 Tesla, with epilepsy protocol incorporating 3D
FLAIR, STIR, SPGR sequences and optionally diffusion
weighted MRI with post processing) should be considered
after the age of 24 months (when the myelination is
complete) to pick up any cortical dysplasia missed on early
MRI or any additional findings which may help to suspect a
genetic/ metabolic etiology.
If previous MRI with epilepsy protocol
is normal, additional studies like MRS, PET and SPECT may be
considered if there are asymmetric spasms, focal features on
EEG with spasms refractory to treatment, especially in
children with tuberous sclerosis. However, the patient
should be referred to an expert for planning these studies.
Metabolic Evaluation of West Syndrome
More than 25 IEM have been found to be
associated with WS, with frequency of metabolic disorders in
epileptic spasms estimated to be 4.7% [13]. A wide range of
metabolic disorders, including mitochondrial disorders, such as
Leighs disease, aminoacidopathies, such as non-ketotic
hyperglycinemia, can present with infantile spasms. Other
metabolic conditions include glucose transporter defects,
pyridoxine deficiency, pyridoxal-5-phosphate deficiency,
disorders of cerebral folate metabolism, Menkes disease, and
biotinidase deficiency. At the very least, disorders treatable
at low cost-e.g. pyridoxine dependency and biotinidase
deficiency should be ruled out, if required, by a therapeutic
trial.
Clues to the presence of IEM include a
positive family history, consanguinity, previous sibling deaths,
failure to thrive, fluctuating course, deterioration after a
period of apparent normalcy, tone abnormalities or movement
disorders. Ophthalmological examination, unusual odors and
visceromegaly may provide other clues. MRI may show non-specific
or specific patterns (for few disorders). However, if none of
these features are present, the yield of metabolic
investigations is very low [17].
4. Consensus Statement: Metabolic Testing
Metabolic evaluation should be
considered if
- No specific etiology can be
identified on examination and MRI; or
- Clinical clues to the presence of
underlying metabolic etiology including coexistent
movement disorder, failure to thrive; or systemic
findings; or
- There is poor response to
conventional treatment.
First tier investigations:
- Blood: Glucose, blood gas,
biotinidase, Serum glutamate oxaloactetate Transaminase
(SGOT), serum ammonia, creatine kinase, uric acid,
lactate, plasma amino acids and acylcarnitines (Tandem
Mass Spectrometry) total homocysteine
- Urine: Ketones, reducing sugar,
organic acids (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)
Second tier investigations: Depending
on the results of the first-tier tests and
clinico-radiological clues.
- Blood: Lysosomal enzymes, very long
chain fatty acids,
- Urine: oligosaccharides,
- CSF: glycine, lactate/pyruvate,
neuro-trans-mitters.
Plasma / CSF glucose ratio after a 4
hour fast is a low-cost test to diagnose a treatable
disorder (Glucose transporter defect), hence it can be done
even as a first line test.
Genetic Evaluation
Genetic causes are being increasingly
recognized in epileptic encephalopathies of unexplained
etiology. A timely genetic diagnosis has potential for precision
treatment decisions, which can improve seizure and development
outcomes. It also helps to counsel the parents regarding
prognosis and recurrence risk in future pregnancies. A
combination of genetic tests provided a definitive diagnosis in
more than 40% of children presenting with new-onset spasms
without an obvious cause after clinical evaluation and MRI
[4,13,18].
Copy number variants (CNVs) are deletions and
duplications of stretches of DNA ranging from 1 kb to an entire
chromosome. These CNVs can be detected by chromosomal
microarrays (CMA) which include comparative genomic
hybridization (CGH). Pathogenic CNVs were detected in 3.6-11.8%
of children with epileptic encephalopathies [17]. The yield is
likely to be higher in case of associated dysmorphism,
intellectual disability, developmental delay disproportionate to
seizure etiology/frequency, and presence of behavioral issues
including autism in non-consanguineous families.
The applications of NGS include targeted gene
panel, whole exome (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS).
However, WES has shown to have higher diagnostic yield compared
to gene panels, as it sequences the entire coding genome. The
current diagnostic yield of genetic tests is below 60%; and a
substantial number of patients may still remain undiagnosed.
In one Indian study, in 36 patients with WS
with presumed genetic etiology, genetic causes were identified
in 17 children [4]. In a multicentric study, out of 100 infants
with epileptic spasms of unknown cause undergoing whole exome
sequencing, pathogenic mutations were identified in 15 [19].
Etiology was more likely to be identified in those children who
had abnormal development (32.5%) vs. those with normal
development (8.3%) [19].
5. Consensus Statement: Genetic Testing
Genetic testing should be considered if
history, clinical examination or MRI suggests an unknown or
a known genetic etiology.
It should also be considered in
children with dysmorphism
Pre and post-test counselling of
parents to explain what to expect from the test and the
implications of pathogenic/ likely pathogenic/VUS/negative
results is recommended.
In children with dysmorphism, karyotype
and CGH microarray florescent in-situ hybridization (FISH)
should be the first-line tests.
WES in trios with parental samples to
enable variant segregation should be done if first line
tests are negative. American College of Medical Genetics and
Genomics (ACMG) criteria should be used in consultation with
a geneticist to ascertain the pathogenicity of an identified
variant [20].
In children without dysmorphism,
clinical/whole exome sequencing trio testing should be the
first line genetic testing.
Treatment
The treatment algorithm for WS is shown in
Fig. 2.
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aVigabatrin dose: Start
with 50 mg/kg/d and hike by 50 mg/kg every 3-7 d
interval as tolerated to a maximum dose of 150 mg/kg/d;
bACTH Dose: 150 IU/m2 or 6 IU/Kg IM daily for
2 wk, Oral Prednisolone dose: 4 mg/kg/d for 2 wk; cIf
EEG shows continued presence of epileptiform
abnormalities despite the resolution of hypsarrhythmia,
consider starting sodium valprote, topiramate or
zonisamide for 12-24 mo; dOther AEDs which
may be considered include topiramate, zonisamide,
benzodiazepines, or sodium valproate. Pyridoxine trial
may be considered in cases with unknown etiology.
Fig. 2 Treatment algorithm for
West syndrome.
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First-line Treatment Options
High-quality evidence is available for
hormonal therapy (adrenocorticotropic hormone or oral steroids),
VGB and combination of hormonal therapy with VGB in the
treatment of WS. The United Kingdom Infantile Spasms Study
compared hormonal treatment with VGB for epilepsy and
development outcome at short-term (14 months and four years of
age). It was observed that hormonal therapy was superior in
terms of an initial cessation of epileptic spasms, but not at 14
months and four years of age [21]. However, successful initial
control of epileptic spasms was associated with better long-term
developmental outcome [22].
Recently, the effectiveness of the
combination of hormonal therapy with VGB was studied in
comparison with hormonal therapy alone [23,24]. Initial results
demonstrated that the combination therapy was significantly
superior to the hormonal therapy for the cessation of epileptic
spasms as a short-term response. However, the combination
therapy did not significantly improve epilepsy or
neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of age. Pyridoxine, as
an adjunct with steroid therapy was not been found superior to
steroid therapy alone [25].
6. Consensus Statement: First-line
treatment for WS
The first-line treatment options are hormonal
therapy (adrenocorticotropic hormone or oral steroids) and VGB.
Hormonal therapy should be preferred for cases other than
tuberous sclerosis complex and VGB should be the first choice
for tuberous sclerosis complex. Regarding combination treatment,
in view of limited literature, the group suggested the need for
more data, before recommending as it as routine first line
treatment.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy in the form of ACTH and oral
steroids has been widely used. ACTH has disadvantages of
parenteral route and cost. Oral steroids have advantages of ease
in administration due to oral route and low-cost. It is
difficult to summarize evidence comparing these two modalities
of treatment, as different preparations (synthetic and natural
ACTH), different doses of ACTH and prednisolone, and different
regimens have been used in various studies. Also, many of the
studies were underpowered or used varying outcomes. The most
important outcomes would be electroclinical resolution and
neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, many studies have only
used clinical spasm cessation, or surrogate markers such as EEG
improvement.
In the 2004 United Kingdom Infantile Spasms
study, spasm freedom was achieved in 70% of children taking high
dose oral prednisolone (40-60 mg/day) and 76% of children taking
ACTH (40 IU/alternate day) [21]. A few recent studies
[26,27]used high-dose oral steroids as initial management of WS,
and subsequent treated failed cases with ACTH and demonstrated a
response rate of 40% and 33% respectively, with high-dose ACTH
therapy among non-responders with high-dose oral steroids
[26,27]. Two recent systematic reviews have suggested equivalent
efficacy of high dose prednisolone as ACTH [28,29].
Dosage schedule for ACTH:
Typically, in the high dose schedule, 150 IU/m 2/BSA
has been used, and in the low dose schedule, 20-30 IU/day has
been used [30]. There is a need of high-quality studies and
evidence to conclude the optimum dosing protocol of ACTH.
Dosage schedule for prednisolone:
In the previously mentioned UK Infantile spasms study, 40-60
mg/day of oral prednisolone was used [21]. However this dose may
be too high for our smaller size infants. Chellamuthu et al have
studied high dose (4 mg/kg) vs. 2 mg/kg daily oral prednisolone
in a randomized controlled trial and demonstrated the higher
effectiveness (52% versus 25%) of high-dose prednisolone with
similar adverse event profile [31]. Some centers advocate very
high 8mg/kg/day as initial dosing protocol [26]. There are
concerns of infection and tolerability issues with very high
dose of oral steroids.
7. Consensus Statement: Hormonal therapy
in WS
Both ACTH and high-dose prednisolone
have reasonably similar efficacy and adverse effect profile
for the treatment of WS.
The initial choice depends on the
preference of the treating pediatrician/neurologist and
family, based on factors of cost, availability of
infrastructure and personnel for daily intramuscular
injections.
High-dose ACTH therapy may also be
considered in cases who failed to response with oral
steroids.
High-dose ACTH is a preferred
therapeutic option as compared to low-dose ACTH. Suggested
dose is 150U/m2/BSA
or 6U/kg intramuscular once daily for two weeks to assess
therapeutic response.
High dose prednisolone (4 mg/kg/day) is
recommended in view of better efficacy and similar
tolerability to the usual dose (2 mg/kg/day). This treatment
should be given for 2 weeks to assess response.
If there is clinical spasms cessation,
EEG should be performed to look for resolution of
hypsarrhythmia. If there is EEG resolution as well, i.e.
electroclinical cessation, then the first line drug
(ACTH/prednisone) should be tapered off over 2-4 weeks.
In case there is no clinical spasms
cessation or persistence of hypsarrhythmia on EEG, then the
first line drug should be tapered off and second line
treatment should be started.
Further treatment after electroclinical
resolution
There is no published evidence on what
treatment the child should be started after there is clinical
cessation of spasms and EEG resolution of hypsarrhythmia or its
variants. There is no evidence that anti-epileptic drug
treatment will prevent relapses or further development of
epilepsy.
8. Consensus Statement: Further Treatment
After Electroclinical Resolution
After clinical cessation of spasms, if the
EEG shows resolution of hypsarrhythmia, the following actions
are recommended:
If the EEG is normal, or shows
background abnormalities such as slowing but no epileptiform
abnormalities, then the hormonal therapy can be tapered off
and there is no need to start any other anti-epileptic drug
treatment.
If the EEG shows epileptiform
abnormalities such as multifocal or focal spike wave
discharges, the patient may be started on an anti-epileptic
drug such as topiramate, sodium valproate and/or zonisamide
for a period of 12-24 months (there is no evidence to prefer
any one of these AEDs).
Treatment of Relapses
Relapse of epileptic spasms is frequent and
constitute major challenge as it is an adverse prognostic
variable for long-term epilepsy and neurological outcome [32].
There is a paucity of evidence on how to manage these patients.
Options include a second trial of hormonal therapy or starting
VGB.
9. Consensus Statement: Treatment of
Relapses
The treatment of children who have initially
responded with hormonal therapy should be individualized.
Options include a repeat trial of hormonal therapy or
vigabatrin.
Monitoring and Precautions on Hormonal
Therapy
There are no published guidelines or
recommendations on the plan of investigations before and during
steroid or ACTH therapy in children with WS. The dwelling
environment and socioeconomic strata would determine the risk of
exposure to pathogens and subsequent infection.
Both ACTH and oral steroid treatment are
commonly associated with adverse effects such as irritability,
increased appetite, hypertension, weight gain,
hyper-pigmentation and risk of infections. Adverse effects are
associated with high dose and longer duration of therapy. It is
routine to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and urine sugar.
There is variability in frequency of monitoring for these
adverse effects.
10. Consensus Statement: Pre-Hormonal
Therapy Investigations, Monitoring and Precautions on Hormonal
Therapy
Screening with chest X ray and
Mantoux test is recommended in children at high risk, i.e.
positive family history of contact and suspected
immunodeficiency.
Children with WS on hormonal therapy
should be monitored for adverse effects. Parents should be
counseled regarding the adverse effects.
Clinical surveillance for infections
should be done.
At least weekly blood pressure
monitoring needs to be done while the child is on therapy.
No live vaccines (e.g. oral polio or
measles) should be given while child is on hormonal
treatment and for 1 month after stopping the therapy.
Children on systemic
corticosteroids for more than 2 consecutive or 3 cumulative
weeks within last 6 months are at risk for adrenal
insufficiency. Hence in case of inter-current illness,
oral intolerance or surgical procedures, hydrocortisone
should be administered in a stress dose of 25-100 mg/m 2
in divided doses.
Vigabatrin
Vigabatrin (VGB) is a GABA agonist that acts
by inhibiting 4-aminobutyrate transaminase, the enzyme for
catabolism of GABA. VGB is the drug of choice for epileptic
spasms in tuberous sclerosis [18]. VGB is less effective that
hormonal therapy as first line drug in treatment of infantile
spasm. In terms of short term efficacy, cessation of spasm
ranges from 27.3-55.3% with the use of VGB [21]. However, there
is a considerable variation in the definition of spasm cessation
among various studies. Apart from TSC, there are few etiological
predictors of favorable response to VGB. Data from the
International Collaborative Infantile Spasms Study (ICISS) [23]
study revealed that children with stroke and infarcts responded
well to combination of VGB and steroids when compared to those
with other etiology. However, there is limited data on
predictors of clinical response to VGB among non-TSC patients
with epileptic spasms.
There is limited number of studies on long
term efficacy of VGB in infantile spasms. The United Kingdom
Infantile Spasms Study (UKISS) included non-tuberous sclerosis
infants aged 212 months who were followed up to determine the
long term developmental outcome at 12-14 months of age. It was
observed that mean Vineland adaptive behaviour scales (VABS)
score were comparable between the high dose steroid group and
VGB group [22].
There is a considerable variation in the dose
and regimen for treatment of children with epileptic spasms.
Doses from 18 mg/kg/day to 150 mg/kg/day have been used by many
authors for infantile spasm. The dose is increased by 50
mg/kg/day every 3-7 days, to a maximum of 150 mg/kg/day [33].
Visual field defects have been reported with
use of VGB [34]. Other side effects reported with use of VGB
include sedation, irritability, and hypotonia. There are no
standard methods to detect visual field loss among young
children. A 30 HZ flicker electroretinography (ERG) has been
used to monitor ocular toxicity. The proportion of patients with
visual field defects in adults (52%) was noted to be higher than
children (34%) in a systematic review of 1678 exposed patients
to VGB [34].
11. Consensus Statement: Vigabatrin in WS
VGB is the first line treatment among
infantile spasm with tuberous sclerosis complex.
Among patients with infantile spasm
(non-tuberous sclerosis), VGB should be considered for
treatment where hormonal therapy/steroids are either
contraindicated or has failed.
VGB is started at a dose of 50
mg/kg/day and hiked by 50 mg/kg every 3-7 days interval as
tolerated to a maximum dose of 150 mg/kg (max within 14
days) or cessation of clinical and electrophysiological
spasm has been achieved, whichever is earlier.
If effective, the duration of therapy
should generally be limited to six months.
Parents should be explained the risk of
possible visual side effects with use of VGB, and its
minimal risk in infants and among those with less than six
months of drug.
Baseline and six-monthly
ophthalmological evaluation including fundus examination is
recommended for all children on VGB.
Electroretinography (ERG) is optional
at 6 monthly intervals in case of prolonged VGB therapy.
Treatment After Failed Hormonal Therapy and
VGB
Other antiepileptic drugs which may be tried
in children with epileptic spasms who have failed hormonal
therapy and VGB include topiramate, sodium valproate,
zonisamide, levetiracetam, and benzodiazepines such as
nitrazepam, clobazam and clonazepam. Nitrazepam has been
approved by Central Drugs standard Organization (India) for its
use in epilepsy. There have also been small studies on the use
of pyridoxine (other than when treating pyridoxine-dependent
seizures), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), hydrocortisone,
sulthiame, and magnesium sulphate. However, considering limited
literature with insufficient evidence, none of these drugs are
deemed effective in treatment of infantile spasms [35].
12. Consensus Statement: Treatment After
Failure of Hormonal Therapy and Vigabatrin
Among children who failed hormonal
therapy and VGB, use of benzodiazepines, sodium valproate,
topiramate, or zonisamide may be considered.
A trial of pyridoxine, pyridoxal
phosphate, folinic acid and biotin may be considered for a
minimum duration of seven days among those with epileptic
spasms of unknown etiology and failed response to first line
agents.
Dietary Therapies
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat,
low-carbohydrate, and restricted protein diet that has been
found useful in the management of WS [36]. KD administration in
infants needs hospitalization, monitoring and availability of a
trained dietician as the diet must be carefully titrated to
achieve seizure reduction and provide calories and proteins for
growth [37]. This may be difficult to achieve in a low resource
setting. Also, ketogenic formula, which makes KD administration
easier for infants, is not easily available in India, and is
costly. The modified Atkins diet, which is a simpler and easier
to administer version of the KD, has also been found to be
effective and well-tolerated in children with infantile spasms
[38].
13. Consensus Statement: Dietary therapies
for WS
Dietary therapy should be considered in
children with WS after the failure of hormonal therapy
and/or vigabatrin and one more AED, provided a center
providing this therapy is accessible.
KD is preferable, but in low resource
settings, the modified Atkins diet may be used.
Considerations while starting the diet
include family education/motivation, and availability of a
trained dietician.
For infants <18 months of age,
in-patient initiation is recommended, lower fat: protein
ratios should be used, fine tuning of the diet is needed to
maintain growth
Dietary therapy should be tried for at
least 3 months before considering it ineffective
If effective in controlling spasms, it
should be continued for a period of at least 2 years
Epilepsy Surgery
In the recent years, there have been studies
on epilepsy surgery in refractory epileptic spasms [25]. The
various surgeries reported include total hemispherectomy,
subtotal hemispherectomy, multilobar resection, lobectomy and
tuberectomy. Curative epilepsy surgery has the best outcomes
with EEG-concordant lesional abnormalities on MRI [25]. The
advances in neuroimaging and invasive monitoring have
facilitated patient selection, presurgical evaluation, and
ultimately, resection planning [39].
14. Consensus Statement: Epilepsy Surgery
in WS
Children should be evaluated for epilepsy
surgery after failure of the first line treatments (hormonal
treatment and/or vigabatrin), if there is presence of surgically
resectable lesions e.g., cortical dysplasias,
hemimegalen-cephaly, Sturge Weber syndrome, tuberous sclerosis,
and if there is presence of focal features on clinical semiology
of spasms and EEG.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS
As mentioned earlier, the diagnosis of WS is
significantly delayed in India, adversely impacting the
treatment response and neurodevelopmental outcome [3,4]. In one
study, the mean age at diagnosis was 13.1 months and the mean
lead time to treatment was 7.9 months [3].
Pre-Symptomatic Diagnosis and Treatment of WS
Certain populations are at high risk of
developing WS, such as infants with perinatal brain injury and
tuberous sclerosis. There is evidence that asymptomatic infants
with tuberous sclerosis complex at high risk of developing
spasms and epilepsy can be identified in the pre-symptomatic
stage using serial surveillance EEGs. All pre-symptomatic
patients with tuberous sclerosis showing epileptiform
abnormalities detected on serial surveillance EEGs went on to
develop epilepsy [40]. Presence of epilepsy in tuberous
sclerosis is an important association for mental
retardation/intellectual disability. Antiepileptic treatment
with VGB in this high-risk group, identified on serial EEGs, can
significantly reduce the rates of evolution of asymptomatic EEG
abnormalities to epilepsy and give a much better neuro-developmental
outcome (nearly 80% normal development vs 20%, with standard
treatment) Furthermore, the rates of drug resistant epilepsy
were 7 % vs 42 % in the preventive vs standard groups [40].
There are also a few retrospective studies
with small numbers of patients on the EEG findings preceding the
onset of epileptic spasms and hypsarrhythmia in infants with
perinatal asphyxia and periventricular leukomalacia. More
evidence is needed before routine serial surveillance EEGs are
recommended for presymptomatic diagnosis of WS in at-risk
infants with perinatal brain injury.
15. Consensus Statement: Early Diagnosis
Health professionals dealing with
follow up and early intervention of high-risk infants should
be trained to ask about and recognize epileptic spasms.
Parents of high-risk infants should be
made aware about the risk of epileptic spasms and educated
to recognize spasms and report to a health facility early in
case spasms occur.
In every infant with developmental
delay, the presence of epileptic spasms must be enquired
for, especially at the 10 week and 14 week immunization
visit.
If spasms are suspected, an EEG should
be urgently obtained within 24-48 hours.
Infants diagnosed with tuberous
sclerosis complex antenatally or at birth should be referred
to a pediatric neurologist for consideration of surveillance
EEGs, monthly from 2 mo of age, and presymptomatic treatment
with VGB.
Supportive Care
Key facets of supportive care in WS include
issues pertaining to nutrition, sleep, dental care, behavior,
cognition and schooling.
16. Consensus Statement: Supportive care
in WS
Anticipatory evaluation and appropriate
management of co-morbidities (specifically related to feeding,
oral hygiene, neuromotor delays, constipation, sleep, and growth
retardation) should be ensured. Schooling, as per cognitive
abilities, should be ensured. Disability certification, if
eligible as per government guidelines, should be proactively
arranged, so as to facilitate financial and other support.
Conclusion
In this article, the guidelines for the
diagnosis and management of West syndrome are provided. These
are based on the current evidence and where-in the evidence is
insufficient, expert opinion. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of
children with West syndrome are likely to improve with timely
diagnosis and early appropriate management. As there is on-going
research on the many facets of treatment, and there are still
many unanswered questions, an update of these guidelines will be
provided when new evidence emerges.
Acknowledgment: Dr Sushma Goyal and Dr
Chaitanya Datar for helpful inputs in the EEG and genetic
testing sections, respectively.
Contributors: SS and RM: conceptualized
the idea; SS, JSK, KS, JS, JNG, RM, KPV: constituted the writing
committee and drafted the manuscript; JSK devised and conducted
Delphi process. All the authors approved the final version of
the manuscript.
Funding: The logistics of faculty travel
for the West syndrome Delphi Consensus meeting was funded by
Intas Pharmaceutical Ltd. and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The venue
support was provided by Army Hospital, Research and Referral,
Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. None of the funding sources had any role
in content of the discussion during meeting, or in report or
manuscript preparation. They did not have access to any version
of the manuscript.
Competing interests: None stated.
Annexure 1
Association of Child Neurology Indian
Epilepsy Society Expert Committee (alphabetically
arranged)
Razia Adam (Hyderabad, Telengana); Satinder
Aneja (Noida, Uttar Pradesh); Biswaroop Chakrabarty (Delhi);
Arijit Chattopadhyay (Kolkata); Saurabh Chopra (Delhi), Rajni
Farmania (Delhi); Pradnya Gadgil (Mumbai, Maharashtra); Divyani
Garg (Delhi); Jatinder Singh Goraya (Ludhiana, Punjab); Sheffali
Gulati (Delhi); Aparajita Gupta (Kolkata, West Bengal); Rachana
Dubey Gupta (Indore, Madhya Pradesh); Vineet Bhushan Gupta
(Delhi); Anaita Udwadia Hedge (Mumbai, Maharashtra); Mary Iype
(Trivandrum, Kerala); Vivek Jain (Jaipur, Rajasthan); Prashant
Jauhari (Delhi); Veena Kalra (Delhi); Mahesh Kamate (Belgavi,
Karnataka); Lakshminarayanan Kannan (Chennai, Tamil Nadu);
Anupriya Kaur (Chandigarh); Gurpreet Kochar (Ludhiana, Punjab);
Ramesh Konanki (Hyderabad, Telangana); Ajay Kumar (Patna,
Bihar); PAM Kunju (Trivandrum, Kerala); Lokesh Lingappa
(Hyderabad, Telengana); Priyanka Madaan (Chandigarh); Ranjith
Kumar Manokaran (Chennai, Tamil Nadu); MM Mehendiratta (Delhi);
Ramshekhar Menon (Trivandrum, Kerala); Devendra Mishra (Delhi);
Debasis Panigrahi (Bhubneshwar, Orissa); Harsh Patel (Ahmedabad,
Gujarat); Sandeep Patil (Pune, Maharashtra); Bijoy Patra
(Delhi); Leema Pauline (Chennai, Tamil Nadu); KVN Raju
(Bangalore, Karnataka); Arushi Gehlot Saini (Chandigarh); Lokesh
Saini (Chandigarh); Naveen Sankhyan (Chandigarh); Rachna Sehgal
(Delhi); Anita Sharma (Delhi); Pratibha Singhi (Gurgaon,
Haryana); Vishal Sondhi (Pune, Maharasthra); Renu Suthar
(Chandigarh); Sanjeev V Thomas (Trivandrum, Kerala); Manjari
Tripathi (Delhi); Vrajesh Udani (Mumbai, Maharasthra); Prashant
Utage (Hyderabad, Telengana); Nitish Vora (Ahmedabad, Gujarat);
Sangeeta Yoganathan (Vellore, Tamil Nadu).
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