Seizure frequency and CSF parameters in a double-blind placebo controlled trial of gabapentin in patients with intractable complex partial seizures.
Gabapentin (GBP) is a non-protein-bound gamma amino acid which is not subjected to metabolic degradation in man. As part of a placebo-controlled double-blind study, patients suffering from intractable complex partial seizures with or without secondary generalization were followed with lumbar punctures at baseline and after three months of GBP treatment (900 mg/day or 1200 mg/day). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analyzed for concentrations of GBP, amino acids including GABA, homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The results indicate that there were no changes in the selected amino acids, HVA, or 5-HIAA after GBP treatment. At steady state the CSF/plasma ratios of GBP ranged from 0.056 to 0.34, indicating that there may be some type of active out-transport of GBP across the blood-brain barrier. No linear relationship was observed between plasma and CSF levels in these patients.
Department of Neurology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
E
E
Ben-Menachem
B
B
Söderfelt
A
A
Hamberger
T
T
Hedner
L I
LI
Persson
D000085:Acetates / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015990:Placebo Effect; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin