Optimizing polytherapy management for Dravet syndrome in the United States: A National Expert Consensus
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Objectives Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, drug‐resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) that requires polytherapy for adequate seizure control. The need to combine multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs), together with variability in seizure types, safety considerations, and evolving patient needs, makes treatment optimization particularly complex for clinicians. As the United States (US) has one of the largest populations of DS patients and pediatric neurologists/epileptologists worldwide, this study aimed to develop US‐focused consensus guidance to guide clinicians in managing treatment combinations in DS. Methods A modified Delphi consensus methodology was applied. 35 statements tailored to the US clinical context were developed, covering six key themes: general treatment principles; strategies to support and empower caregivers; stiripentol (STP) as an add‐on to DS‐specific and nonspecific ASMs; use of fenfluramine (FFA) in STP‐containing regimens; use of cannabidiol (CBD) in STP‐containing regimens; and patient follow‐up during treatment initiation. Statements were submitted for online voting to 52 US clinicians with expertise in DS and experience with all approved DS‐specific ASMs. Agreement was rated using a 9‐point Likert scale, with predefined criteria used to determine strong, good, or absent consensus. Results 26 experts participated in the voting process. Of the 35 statements evaluated, 23 (66%) reached strong consensus, 6 (17%) reached good consensus, and 6 (17%) did not reach consensus. Strong agreement was observed for general principles of DS management, caregiver involvement, structured follow‐up, and several practical aspects of initiating and managing STP‐ and FFA‐containing regimens. Areas without consensus primarily concerned CBD efficacy expectations, dosing strategies, and pharmacokinetic interactions in complex polytherapy regimens. Significance This US‐focused consensus provides structured guidance to support clinical decision‐making in the management of polytherapy for DS. Plain language summary Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in early childhood and causes seizures that are difficult to control and often persist throughout life. Because most patients require treatment with multiple medications, managing Dravet syndrome is complex and must adapt as patients grow and their needs change. This US‐focused consensus brings together published evidence and expert clinical experience to provide practical guidance on the management of polytherapy in Dravet syndrome, supporting clinicians in optimizing patient care.
Source: Epilepsia Open
DOI: 10.1002/epi4.70286
Authors: Elaine Wirrell, Joseph Sullivan
Institutions: Mayo Clinic, University of California, San Francisco
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,120
OpenAlex ID: W7171819406