A pilot study on the anticonvulsive effects of a thyrotropin-releasing hormone analog in intractable epilepsy.
In 1981, Inanaga et al reported on the efficacy of DN-1417 (a TRH analog) in the treatment of degenerative myoclonus epilepsy and other forms of intractable epilepsy. Following this report, we studied the efficacy and safety of DN-1417 treatment in 10 intractable epileptic children ranging in age from 6 months to 11 years (mean 4 years), including 7 with Lennox syndrome (LS), 2 with West syndrome (WS) and 1 with degenerative myoclonus epilepsy (DME). The daily dose was from 0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg, initially, and then was increased to 0.05 mg/kg. Complete control of seizures was achieved in 2 patients with LS, a 50% or greater decrease in seizure frequency was observed in one patient each with LS and DME and a less than 50% decrease in 1 with LS and 2 with WS. There was no change in 2 LS cases, and 1 LS case became worse. Activation of psychic activities, such as psychomotor activity, facial expression and motivation, was also noted in 7 of the 10 patients. Furthermore, improvement of motor function was noted in 5 patients. Electroencephalographic abnormalities improved in 2 completely seizure free patients with LS in which EEG ameliorated along with clinical seizure control.
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000188:drug therapy; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000188:drug therapy; D013577:Syndrome; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; C029762:DN 1417