Despite the increased use of medical
cannabinoids, the efficacy and safety of the treatment among children remain uncertain. The objective was to study the efficacy and safety of medical
cannabinoids in children. The search included studies through 11-May-2020. Selection criteria included studies evaluating efficacy and safety outcomes of medical
cannabinoids (
tetrahydrocannabinol,
cannabidiol and other cannabis derivatives) versus control in children, independently assessed by two reviewers. Eight studies were included, all of which are randomized controlled trials.
Cannabidiol is associated with 50% reduction in
seizures rate (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.69, 95% CI [1.20-2.36]) and caregiver global impression of change (Median Estimated difference = (- 1), 95%CI [- 1.39-(- 0.60)]) in
Dravet syndrome, compared to placebo. While
cannabidiol was associated with a reduction in reported seizure events (RR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.36-0.97]), no association was found in products contained also
tetrahydrocannabinol (RR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.46-4.03]). Higher dose of
cannabidiol was associated with decreased appetite (RR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.39-4.15]). A qualitative assessment suggests that medical
cannabinoids might be associated with adverse mental events. In conclusion,
cannabidiol is associated with clinical improvement in
Dravet syndrome. However,
cannabidiol is also associated with decreased appetite. Adverse mental events were reported as well, however, more research should be performed to assess well this outcome.