Effects of vigabatrin on evoked potentials in epileptic patients.
1. Somatosensory (SEP) brainstem auditory (BAEP) and visual (VEP) evoked potentials were determined before and after add-on administration of vigabatrin (GVG) in patients with epilepsy. 2. At pre-treatment assessment SEP and BAEP parameters were usually found to be within normal limits, while P100 latencies of the VEP were abnormally prolonged in a considerable proportion of patients. 3. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 22 patients GVG (1-3 g day-1 stratified according to body weight) given for 7 weeks did not modify any of the evoked potential parameters evaluated. 4. Eighteen patients were evaluated prospectively at regular intervals during long-term GVG (2-4 g day-1) therapy with a mean follow up of 24 months (range 13-42 months). SEP, BAEP and especially VEP parameters showed some interindividual variability, but the within patient variation was relatively small. No consistent important changes were seen in association with GVG, although a possible trend towards a shortening of BAEP latencies and P100 latencies was observed. 5. The relevance of these findings with respect to GVG safety is discussed.
Cosi
V
V
Institute of Neurology C. Mondino, University of Pavia, Italy.
Callieco
R
R
Galimberti
C A
CA
Manni
R
R
Tartara
A
A
Mumford
J
J
Perucca
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000614:Aminocaproates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects*; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000187:drug effects*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D020888:Vigabatrin
D000614:Aminocaproates; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D020888:Vigabatrin