Hunziker, S.; Morosoli, F.; Zuercher, K.; Tscherter, A.; Grunt, S. Prescription Practices of Cannabinoids in Children with Cerebral Palsy Worldwide—A Survey of the Swiss Cerebral Palsy Registry. Children2023, 10, 1838.
Hunziker, S.; Morosoli, F.; Zuercher, K.; Tscherter, A.; Grunt, S. Prescription Practices of Cannabinoids in Children with Cerebral Palsy Worldwide—A Survey of the Swiss Cerebral Palsy Registry. Children 2023, 10, 1838.
Hunziker, S.; Morosoli, F.; Zuercher, K.; Tscherter, A.; Grunt, S. Prescription Practices of Cannabinoids in Children with Cerebral Palsy Worldwide—A Survey of the Swiss Cerebral Palsy Registry. Children2023, 10, 1838.
Hunziker, S.; Morosoli, F.; Zuercher, K.; Tscherter, A.; Grunt, S. Prescription Practices of Cannabinoids in Children with Cerebral Palsy Worldwide—A Survey of the Swiss Cerebral Palsy Registry. Children 2023, 10, 1838.
Abstract
Cannabinoids are prescribed to children with cerebral palsy (CP) despite limited evidence. We aimed to assess the prescription practices of cannabinoids in children with CP with a particular focus on indications, what kind of preparations are used and how well cannabinoids are tolerated. Furthermore, we investigated how physicians acquire knowledge on cannabinoid medication.
We asked physicians with expertise in the care of children with CP about their prescription prac-tices of cannabinoids. Data was collected through an online survey, which was distributed by email. In addition to the demographic information of participants, we also inquired about the indications for the prescription of cannabinoids, about experiences regarding efficacy, and ob-served side effects of the therapy.
Seventy physicians from Europe, North America and Australia completed the survey. Forty-seven participants were experienced in the treatment of children with CP by cannabinoids. The most common indication was epilepsy (69%), followed by spasticity (64%) and pain (63%). The pre-scribed preparations and doses varied considerably. Half of the participants evaluated the effect of the cannabinoids as moderate. Twenty-nine physicians reported side effects, most frequently drowsiness (26%), somnolence (19%), fatigue (13%), and diarrhea (13%).
Despite the lack of evidence to date, cannabinoids are used to treat children with CP in a wide variety of indications. Randomized controlled trials in this vulnerable patient group are therefore of utmost importance.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Neurology
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