Infantile Spasms is a new CPG that has been reviewed by the CPG Committee. It will be considered for PIC endorsement on 18 June.

Key Points

1. Infantile spasms (IS) are a type of seizure, and are the most common severe epilepsy in infants
2. IS are typically sudden, brief, bilateral and symmetric contraction of the muscles of the neck, trunk and extremities, occurring in clusters
3. IS are often the presenting feature of a significant underlying neurological disorder
4. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimise the developmental impacts
5. First-line treatment is usually high dose prednisolone
6. High dose prednisolone may mask responses to infection, including fever. Signs of sepsis in a child on high dose prednisolone should be managed as per the S­­epsis CPG