Topiramate in the treatment of severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy.
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of topiramate (TPM) as an add-on regimen in reducing seizure rate in a population sample of patients diagnosed with severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SME). Eighteen patients were evaluated. The mean observation time was 10.5 months (range, 6-18 months). Seizure frequency and type were recorded. Topiramate was administered as an add-on regimen at a starting dose of 1 mg kg(-1)and titrated to a maximum of 6-8 mg per kg per day. Different escalation rates were used, mainly weekly or fortnightly increments of dose. Three patients (16.6%) became seizure free, and 10 (55.6%) had a >50% reduction in seizure frequency: six of them (22.2%) achieved a reduction greater than 75%. Side-effects were observed in nine patients, eight with a weekly titration schedule and one with a fortnightly schedule. TPM is effective as adjunctive therapy for SME. Side-effects were mild and transient, generally related to rapid dosage titration.
Nieto-Barrera
M
M
Paediatric Neurology Unit, Hospital Infantil Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain.
Candau
R
R
Nieto-Jimenez
M
M
Correa
A
A
del Portal
L R
LR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose