Gabapentin in refractory partial epilepsy--a trial in India.
Gabapentin (GBP) has been shown to be effective an add-on drug for the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy. We undertook an open clinical trial to test its efficacy for the first time in India. Twenty-six patients with refractory partial seizures (> 4 per month) were given GBP in a titrated dose and the seizure frequency was noted for 3 months. The mean reduction in seizures was significant: 15.87 (SD = 4.5) vs 5.80 (SD = 10.25). The mean percentage change (PCH) from the baseline was -36. Twenty-one of 26 (80%) patients had a reduction in the number of seizures, and 13/26 (50%) were identified as responders (> 50% reduction in seizures). The responders were significantly younger than the nonresponders. Adverse events were mild and noted in 46% patients. Although the trial has its limitations, this is probably the first trial of GBP in a developing country.
Dixit
S N
SN
Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Jain
S
S
Padma
M V
MV
Maheshwari
M C
MC
D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D003906:Developing Countries; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin