Effect of topiramate on intractable seizures in Taiwanese children.
We performed a prospective study to evaluate the effect of topiramate as an adjunctive therapy in Taiwanese children with intractable partial epilepsy and generalized epilepsy. Thirty children aged from 2 to 16 years (8.5 +/- 3.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Eighteen children (60.0%) had partial epilepsy, and 12 children (40.0%) had generalized epilepsy. These children were experiencing more than one seizure per month even under a stable antiepileptic regimen treatment. Topiramate was begun at 1 mg/kg x day, and the dosage was raised by 1 mg/kg x day each week. Titration continued for 4 weeks or more. The maximal dosage was 10 mg/kg x day. In children with partial epilepsy, six children (33.3%) achieved > or = 50% frequency reduction, while eight children (44.4%) achieved a seizure-free state. In children with generalized epilepsy, including infantile spasms, four children (33.3%) achieved > or = 50% frequency reduction, while five children (41.7%) achieved a seizure-free state. The most common adverse effect was poor appetite (10.0%). No idiosyncratic reactions to topiramate were found. Only one patient discontinued topiramate because of central hyperventilation. Topiramate can be used as an adjunctive antiepileptic drug for intractable epileptic children in Taiwan.
Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Sung-Tse
ST
Li
Ein-Yiao
EY
Shen
Nan-Chang
NC
Chiu
Che-Sheng
CS
Ho
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077236:Topiramate
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose