CompletedPhase 2

Phase II Randomized Study of Early Surgery Vs Multiple Sequential Antiepileptic Drug Therapy for Infantile Spasms Refractory to Standard Treatment

30 participantsStarted 1993-11

Plain-language summary

OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection of an identifiable zone of cortical abnormality versus multiple drug therapy in children with infantile spasms refractory to standard therapy. II. Assess how infantile spasms interfere with development and whether this is partially reversible. III. Determine the predictors of good surgical outcome and whether surgery permanently controls seizures and improves development.

Who can participate

Age range

0 Years – 2 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: Disease Characteristics * Infantile spasms or seizures with diagnosis based on the following: short muscular contractions leading to flexion or extension; Single or repetitive electroencephalogram (EEG) consistent with diagnosis, i.e., hypsarrhythmia, modified hypsarrhythmia, multifocal spike and wave abnormalities; developmental quotient less than 70 * Zone of cortical abnormality in 1 lobe, contiguous multilobes, or 1 hemisphere; confirmed by historical, neurological, and physical evidence, including EEG, closed circuit televised EEG, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or positron-emission tomography; at least 2 abnormal test/imaging results required * No treatable seizure etiology such as metabolic disease or infection Prior/Concurrent Therapy * Failed standard therapy, i.e., refractory to corticotropin (at least 40 IU/day for 14 days) as follows: persistent infantile spasms OR recurrent spasms after discontinuation or taper OR complications requiring dose modification * At least 1 month of standard antiepileptic drug with documented therapeutic blood levels Patient Characteristics * No medical contraindication to surgery * English-speaking family

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00004758

SponsorNational Center for Research Resources (NCRR)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spasms, Infantile trials