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Neurol Sci. 2019 Nov 27. doi: 10.1007/s10072-019-04162-1. [Epub ahead of print]
The use of medical grade cannabis in Italy for drug-resistant epilepsy: a case series.
Pane C1, Saccà F2.
Author information
1Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, NA, Italy.2Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, NA, Italy. [email protected].
Abstract
In Italy, medical grade cannabis (MGC) can be prescribed for different medical conditions, including drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), once standard and approved therapies have failed, or caused non-tolerable side effects. Here, we present a retrospective case series report of five patients with DRE who started therapy with MGC. Authorized ISO 9001:2008 pharmacies prepared MGC according to Italian laws. Olive oil extracts (OOEs) were prepared following standard extraction protocols, and cannabinoids were measured on each OOE to check for successful extraction.After treatment with MGC, all patients reported a reduction in seizure frequency and severity, and some reported improved mood, sleep quality, and general well-being without relevant side effects. Despite the small sample size and open-label nature of the data, we show that MGC may be successfully used to treat DRE. This is especially true when considering that no valid therapeutic option exists for these patients and that MGC was extremely well tolerated.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31776867
The use of medical grade cannabis in Italy for drug-resistant epilepsy: a case series
Authors
Chiara Pane, Francesco Saccà
Abstract
In Italy, medical grade cannabis (MGC) can be prescribed for different medical conditions, including drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), once standard and approved therapies have failed, or caused non-tolerable side effects. Here, we present a retrospective case series report of five patients with DRE who started therapy with MGC. Authorized ISO 9001:2008 pharmacies prepared MGC according to Italian laws. Olive oil extracts (OOEs) were prepared following standard extraction protocols, and cannabinoids were measured on each OOE to check for successful extraction.After treatment with MGC, all patients reported a reduction in seizure frequency and severity, and some reported improved mood, sleep quality, and general well-being without relevant side effects. Despite the small sample size and open-label nature of the data, we show that MGC may be successfully used to treat DRE. This is especially true when considering that no valid therapeutic option exists for these patients and that MGC was extremely well tolerated.
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