Antiepileptic drugs in children in developing countries: research and treatment guideline needs.
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in childhood. Effective interventions are available for treatment; however, the treatment gap in children is more than 80% in many developing countries. An important reason for this huge treatment gap is limited access to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This article discusses the reasons for such a treatment gap, and possible ways forward in improving care of children with epilepsy worldwide.
Farkhondeh
Mina
M
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
Hill
Suzanne R
SR
Cross
J Helen
JH
Dua
Tarun
T
D000367:Age Factors; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D014943:Global Health; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014944:World Health Organization
D000927:Anticonvulsants