The natural history of infantile spasms.

The claim of Sorel to have improved the outlook for children with the syndrome of infantile spasms ('lightning spasms') and mental retardation by the use of corticotrophin (Sorel and Dusaucy-Bauloye, 1958; Sorel, 1959) has aroused widespread interest, and first reports have been enthusiastic (Low, 1958, 1959; Stamps, Gibbs, Rosenthal and Gibbs, 1959). Cortisone has also been said to be effective (Low, 1958; Dumermuth, 1959; Cox and Martin, 1959). It is now clear that these hormones produce some beneficial effect, but for a more precise assessment of their efficacy it is important to know the natural history of the disorder. In this paper we describe the clinical and electroencephalographic (E.E.G.) findings in 30 patients who have been followed up for periods varying from two to six years without the administration of hormones. They form a basis for comparison of the results of hormone treatment in 20 other patients (Bower and Jeavons, 1961).