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[Topiramate: an experience in children with partial epilepsy]
1Médica Neuropediatra, Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo SP e APAE-Jundiaí, Brasil. cmrocha@node1.com.br
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|October 11, 2001
Summary
Topiramate (TPM) effectively controlled seizures in children with epilepsy. This study shows good seizure control with low doses of TPM, even in severe cases, as monotherapy or with carbamazepine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Topiramate (TPM) is an antiepileptic drug available in Brazil.
- Epilepsy in children requires effective treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical response to Topiramate in children under 15 years old with partial epilepsy.
- To determine the efficacy and tolerability of TPM in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Eleven children (9 female, 2 male), aged 3-14 years, with partial epilepsy were studied.
- TPM dosage started at 12.5 mg/day (1-7 mg/kg/day) and increased weekly.
- Patients received TPM as monotherapy or add-on therapy with carbamazepine.
Main Results:
- One patient experienced intense abdominal pain.
- Seizure frequency improved: 1 patient became seizure-free, 5 improved >75%, 1 improved >50%, and 3 showed no control.
- Good seizure control was achieved with low TPM doses.
Conclusions:
- Topiramate demonstrated efficacy in controlling seizures in pediatric patients with partial epilepsy.
- Low doses of TPM, as monotherapy or add-on therapy, can achieve good seizure control, even in severe cases.
- TPM appears to be a viable treatment option for childhood epilepsy.