Question

A 10-month-old infant was brought with complaints of jerking movement of limbs towards the body. On examination, there is a regression of developmental milestones. Electroencephalogram shows hypsarrhythmia. Which of the following is the drug of choice in this condition? 

• A. Phenytoin
• B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
• C. Levetiracetam
• D. Phenobarbitone

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The 10-month old infant described in the question presents with symptoms and findings characteristic of infantile spasms, a severe epilepsy syndrome seen in infancy. The key points from the case are:

• Jerking movements of limbs towards the body, consistent with the sudden, brief, involuntary muscle contractions typical in infantile spasms.
• Regression of developmental milestones, which often accompanies this condition.
• An electroencephalogram (EEG) showing hypsarrhythmia, a chaotic brain wave pattern strongly associated with infantile spasms.

Given these observations, the most effective therapeutic intervention available is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is the drug of choice for treating infantile spasms, as it has been shown to be significantly effective in controlling spasms and improving EEG outcomes.

To conclude, the correct choice for treating this infant's condition is:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

None of the other options provided (Phenytoin, Levetiracetam, Phenobarbitone) are specifically indicated or effective as a first-line treatment for this condition.