Topiramate in the treatment of myoclonic-astatic epilepsy in children: a retrospective hospital audit.
BACKGROUND
Myoclonic-Astatic Epilepsy (MAE) usually starts before five years of age and is associated with very frequent seizures and is highly resistant to treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the outcome of adjunctive topiramate (TPM) therapy in children with a diagnosis of MAE syndrome.


METHODS
In an outpatient setting, case notes of 27 children who received TPM were retrieved and analysed.


RESULTS
Records of 6 children with MAE, who were experiencing 2-8 atonic seizures daily before starting TPM were studied. Improvement was noted after addition of TPM (mean dose at steady-state 7.4+/-2.5mg/kg/day) to the regimen of 1-3 anti-epileptic drugs they were receiving concurrently. All but one child improved following the titration period: one had 50-80% improvement in the frequency of atonic seizures and three had over 80% improvement. However, one child who showed over 80% improvement and was free of atonic seizures, later developed increased frequency of other seizure types. In one child there was no significant improvement. Improvement has been sustained for over 6 months in three patients and over 4 months in one; three have continued TPM. TPM was stopped in three patients (reduction in seizure control/no improvement).


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the efficacy of TPM in controlling atonic seizures in MAE and indicates that it should be considered as an add-on drug in the management of this 'difficult-to-treat' epileptic syndrome.
Jayawant
S
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Department of Childhood Health, Paediatric Neurology Service, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
Libretto
S E
SE
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D020190:Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose