CT study in infantile spasms

For reevaluation of ACTH therapy for infantile spasms, side effects of the therapy were investigated. 1) Susceptibility to diseases: Eight of 16 patients developed serious infectious diseases within one to two months after initiation of the therapy. 2) Electrolyte metabolism: Evaluation of 13 cases revealed the low serum-P concentration and the high serum-Na concentration. 3) Cerebral contraction: Cerebral contraction was noted in all of the ten cases which were examined by CT. Serial CT scanning in one case revealed a remarkable contraction of the brain 6 weeks after initiation of the therapy, nevertheless seizures disappeared and EEG recovered. CT findings recovered to normal 4 months after withdrawal of ACTH therapy. (Ueda, J.)