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Management of epilepsy in pediatrics and geriatrics
Cathy Y Poon1, James W McAuley
1Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Early-onset epilepsy in children can impair long-term cognitive function. New antiepileptic drugs offer hope for pediatric and geriatric patients, though treatment in the elderly is complex.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Geriatric Neurology
Background:
- Epilepsy's impact on cognitive development is more severe when it begins earlier in life.
- Specific pediatric epilepsy syndromes like pyridoxine-deficiency seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and West syndrome often necessitate combination drug treatments.
- Epilepsy prevalence increases in older adults, with treatment challenges arising from comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges and advancements in epilepsy treatment across different age groups.
- To highlight the development of new antiepileptic medications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in antiepileptic drug therapies.
- Analysis of epilepsy prevalence and treatment considerations in pediatric and geriatric populations.
Main Results:
- Earlier onset of epilepsy in children correlates with poorer long-term cognitive outcomes.
- Multidrug therapy is frequently required for specific pediatric epilepsy syndromes.
- Geriatric epilepsy management is complicated by the presence of other chronic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Recent marketing of novel antiepileptic drugs provides new therapeutic options.
- Ongoing research into investigational agents promises further treatment advancements for epilepsy patients of all ages.
Abstract:
For pediatric patients, the earlier in life epilepsy occurs, the lower are long-term mental abilities. Three rare but important conditions among infants and children--pyridoxine-deficiency seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and West syndrome--usually require multidrug therapy to control seizures. Epilepsy occurs more frequently among the elderly and therapy is complicated by treatment of other chronic medical conditions. Numerous effective antiepileptic medications for both pediatric and geriatric patients have been newly marketed in the past decade, with other promising agents in the investigational drug pipeline.