Long-term prognosis of patients with West syndrome in Japan: social aspects.

Long-term social prognosis of 120 Japanese patients with West syndrome was surveyed using structured questionnaire at the age of 25.4 years in average. The survey revealed that ADL score remained null in one-fifth of cases; the majority entered in special education course for disabled children; only eleven cases were employed as a full-time worker. As to QOL, 60% of cases were spending daily life with joy. In summary, social prognosis of West syndrome is generally gloomy, but a proportion of patients can lead an independent social life, and an enriched social environment is the most influential factor for better prognosis