Steroids in intractable childhood epilepsy: Clinical experience and review of the literature

Steroids and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) have been used for the treatment of infantile spasms for several years. However, the use of steroids in the treatment of epilepsy beyond infantile spasms has been limited to only a few studies. We report the experience with steroids in 32 children with intractable epilepsy, not including West syndrome. In 47% there was a decrease in seizure frequency, 25% became seizure free, 11% had a seizure reduction of >50% and 11% had a seizure reduction of <50%. Our study confirms the conclusions of few previous reports of effective adjunctive steroid treatment for children with intractable epilepsy. The possible side effects, however, especially during prolonged therapy remain an important concern.