[Gabapentin in children and adolescents with epilepsy].
OBJECTIVE
We analyze the studies published on gabapentin (GBP) in children and adolescents with epilepsy, both clinical studies, in which it is used to treat patients with partial seizures refractory to treatment with other drugs, and in other studies of its use as monotherapy.


METHODS
We report the results of a multicentric observational study carried out in Spain using GBP as monotherapy for 52 adolescents with partial seizures with no previous treatment (32) or as a second alternative treatment (20).


RESULTS
We showed evident clinical efficacy, with a reduction of >50% in the frequency of seizures in 79% of the cases and abolition of seizures in 60%, after six months of treatment with GBP. At the same time the drug is very well tolerated, with adverse effects in 7.7% of cases. The drug was only suspended on account of adverse effects in one patient (1.9%). Simultaneously all the basic items of the QOLIE 10 questionnaire were improved after six months of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
GBP is an effective drug which is well tolerated by children and adolescents with partial crises, when used in polytherapy or as monotherapy.
Herranz
J L
JL
Neuropediatría, Hospital Universitario M.Valdecilla, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, 39008, España. jherranz@nacom.es
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin