Efeitos terapêuticos do canabidiol em sujeitos com epilepsia: uma revisão sistemática de literatura

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that cannabidiol is safe and its administration is able to reduce the number and intensity of epileptic seizures and improve electroencephalographic patterns. Thus, this study sought to assess the level of evidence about these effects. GOALS: To determine the literature evidence on the therapeutic use of cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy. METHODS: We undertook a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA-P protocol. We searched articles published between 2007 and 2018 in the MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and “Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde” (BVS) databases. In addition, an active search was made through bibliographical references of other systematic reviews. Through pre-established inclusion criteria, we carefully examined publications and their titles and abstracts. Where necessary, the articles were read in full evaluation and verification of eligibility, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Five clinical trials were found, two open label and three randomized controlled ones. The studies involved Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut and Sturge-Weber syndromes. All studies have shown cannabidiol’s positive effect over placebo. DISCUSSION: Cannabidiol was associated with seizure frequency reduction. Adverse effects were seen in more than 10% of patients. Apparently, cannabidiol is more effective in drop seizure control. CONCLUSION: All included studies reported similar results: cannabidiol is effective and safe for epilepsy treatment, especially in its treatment-resistant forms. Secondary outcomes related to late adverse effects should be evaluated in future studies.