Discussion of the AED workshop.
An overview is given of the different issues that have been discussed, with subsequent recommendation. Standardisation of measurement and reporting of efficacy parameter and side-effects is essential; not only the number of patients achieving complete seizure controlled or have a decrease in seizure frequency and severity should be mentioned but also the number who dropped out and the reasons therefore. More information is needed on the teratogeneticy of a drug, either by performing control trials or by registration of all pregnancies with new anti-epileptic drugs. Appropriate bio-marker for efficacy and toxicity should be developed. Health-related quality of life scales, collecting both subjective and objective information should be developed and used as complimentary tools in understanding more about the disease. A drug that improves the quality of life but is less effective in suppressing seizures should be marketed. Finally, pharmaco-economic studies should be encouraged in the field of epilepsy.
Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité
D G
DG
Instituut voor Epilepsiebestrijding, Heemstede, The Netherlands.
Meijer
J W
JW
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011788:Quality of Life; D013723:Teratogens; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013723:Teratogens