What condition is commonly associated with ACTH?

The association of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) with infantile spasms is well-established in clinical practice. Infantile spasms are a type of seizure that specifically occur in early childhood, often presenting as clusters of brief, involuntary muscle contractions. These spasms are part of a condition known as West syndrome, which is characterized by the triad of infantile spasms, developmental regression, and a specific EEG pattern called hypsarrhythmia.

In treatment, ACTH has been shown to be effective in managing infantile spasms. It works by influencing the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids, which can help to suppress the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that characterizes these seizures. The use of ACTH in this context has been a cornerstone in the therapeutic approach to infantile spasms, underscoring its significance in this neurological condition.

This specific relationship between ACTH and infantile spasms highlights the clinical importance of hormonal treatments in managing certain types of epilepsy in pediatric populations.