National Multicenter Cohort Study: Adjunctive Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Oil for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Treatment in Thailand
2
Issued Date
2025-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08878994
eISSN
18735150
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105006938156
Journal Title
Pediatric Neurology
Volume
169
Start Page
59
End Page
68
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Pediatric Neurology Vol.169 (2025) , 59-68
Suggested Citation
Lusawat A., Khongkhatithum C., Suwannachote S., Katanyuwong K., Fangsa-ad T., Anurat K., Pattharathitikul S., Thongmak T., Thewamit R., Sudachan P., Rojanawatsirivej A., Thampratankul L., Sattaporn C., Bunyatumma P., Auvichayapat N., Laohasaran S., Anuroj K., Kontun S., Cheawcharnprapan K., Paticheep S., Paibool W., Thirapote P., Sanguansermsri C., Suwanpakdee P., Woravimolvanich O., Watcharakuldilok P., Visudtibhan A. National Multicenter Cohort Study: Adjunctive Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Oil for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Treatment in Thailand. Pediatric Neurology Vol.169 (2025) , 59-68. 68. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.04.015 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110525
Title
National Multicenter Cohort Study: Adjunctive Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Oil for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Treatment in Thailand
Author(s)
Lusawat A.
Khongkhatithum C.
Suwannachote S.
Katanyuwong K.
Fangsa-ad T.
Anurat K.
Pattharathitikul S.
Thongmak T.
Thewamit R.
Sudachan P.
Rojanawatsirivej A.
Thampratankul L.
Sattaporn C.
Bunyatumma P.
Auvichayapat N.
Laohasaran S.
Anuroj K.
Kontun S.
Cheawcharnprapan K.
Paticheep S.
Paibool W.
Thirapote P.
Sanguansermsri C.
Suwanpakdee P.
Woravimolvanich O.
Watcharakuldilok P.
Visudtibhan A.
Khongkhatithum C.
Suwannachote S.
Katanyuwong K.
Fangsa-ad T.
Anurat K.
Pattharathitikul S.
Thongmak T.
Thewamit R.
Sudachan P.
Rojanawatsirivej A.
Thampratankul L.
Sattaporn C.
Bunyatumma P.
Auvichayapat N.
Laohasaran S.
Anuroj K.
Kontun S.
Cheawcharnprapan K.
Paticheep S.
Paibool W.
Thirapote P.
Sanguansermsri C.
Suwanpakdee P.
Woravimolvanich O.
Watcharakuldilok P.
Visudtibhan A.
Author's Affiliation
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
Thailand Ministry of Public Health
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Lerdsin Hospital
Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital
Vachira Phuket Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Ramathibodi Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Vajira Hospital
Prapokklao Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Thailand Ministry of Public Health
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Lerdsin Hospital
Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital
Vachira Phuket Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Ramathibodi Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Vajira Hospital
Prapokklao Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Several studies have reported the effectiveness and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-enriched oil adjunctive treatment in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. This is the first multicenter cohort study of medical-grade CBD-enriched drugs in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy in Thailand. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted across 19 Thai government hospitals between 2021 and 2023. The study aimed to assess CBD-enriched adjunctive treatment in pediatric drug-resistant epileptic patients with various etiologies ensuring a follow-up period of at least three months including cases wherein the medication was discontinued before three months. Results: Of 101 patients, 42% were male with a median age of 10 years, experiencing a seizure frequency of 75 per month, and having failed treatment with an average of seven types of antiseizure medications. The median follow-up duration was 15 months with a median modal CBD dose of 6 mg/kg/day. The ≥50% seizure reduction rate and the median monthly total seizure reduction showed consistent improvement with reductions at three-, six-, nine-, and 12-month and the latest follow-up visits. Most seizure types responded positively to treatment, except for complex motor seizures. The effective CBD dose varied within a range of 1-15 mg/kg/day. Adverse events were reported in 92% of patients, predominantly mild (95%) and including somnolence, increased liver enzymes, anorexia, and irritability. Thirty-three patients discontinued CBD, with 57% due to intolerable adverse events, 30% ineffectiveness, and 12% noncompliance. Conclusions: The Thai medical-grade CBD-enriched oil is effective and tolerable for at least 12 months of adjunctive treatment in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy in Thailand.