Support Center assists patients using medicinal cannabis in Sergipe
On average, 63 patients with refractory epilepsy and 26 patients with aggressive behavior in ASD are treated
In order to provide technical guidance for cannabis-based therapeutic management, offering humanized care and comprehensive attention to the health needs of patients, the Government of Sergipe, through the State Department of Health (SES), created the Support Center for Specialized Therapies (Nate).
Nate currently offers two protocols. The first one is for patients with refractory epilepsy who fit into specific diseases such as Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), and the second one is for aggressive behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
According to Nate's technical reference, Luciano Queiroz, on average, 63 patients with refractory epilepsy and 26 patients with aggressive behavior in ASD are treated. "Families are interested in continuing the treatment because patients show significant improvement in aggressive behavior in ASD and epilepsy".
"Cannabidiol is a second-line treatment when pharmacological treatment is ineffective or there are adverse reactions to medications. It is a government project that has been well accepted and is of great importance," Luciano added.
Mothers approve Nate
Banker Mayara Nascimento, mother of 8-year-old José Miguel, sought help for treatment to promote improvement in her son's condition, due to some therapeutic failures with other types of medications and lack of positive progress.
"We sought help here to start the treatment. The support and assistance are well-structured, with clear and defined protocols for families. It will help not only Miguel but also many families in need of this type of support. I hope we can follow a positive path of improvement, eliminate these inappropriate behaviors, and help Miguel have a better quality of life," Mayara said.
Pulmonologist Ana Paula Argolo, mother of 14-year-old Gustavo, felt very welcomed. "I was impressed with the physical facilities of the place and the service. My son has unique sensory needs, and there was punctuality and support from the entire team, who directed us to receive the medication at the Comprehensive Health Care Center (Case), where we were also very well received and guided with agility, efficiency, and humanity. People treated us very well, and this makes me believe more and more in the potential we have to have quality public healthcare," she expressed her gratitude.
How to access
Referral will be made by the specialist attending physician, also using a standardized referral form, indicating the lack of response to first-line medications - antipsychotics. After this process, the patient must go to the Comprehensive Health Care Center (Case) for registration at the unit and product collection.
State distribution policy
Established in April 2023, Law No. 9,178 institutes the "State Cannabis Policy" for the entire state of Sergipe. Nate provides comprehensive health care, offering doctors, nutritionists, and other professionals in the field.