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Prednisone therapy in pediatric epilepsy

D Barry Sinclair1

  • 1Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Pediatric Neurology
|May 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Prednisone, a steroid, effectively treated intractable epilepsy in older children. Many patients achieved seizure freedom or significant reduction, with uncommon side effects, making it a viable alternative therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Steroids are established treatments for West's syndrome.
  • Limited data exists on steroid use for epilepsy in children over one year old.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prednisone as an adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy in older children.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 28 children (18 months to 10 years) with intractable epilepsy.
  • Prednisone (1 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks) was added to existing antiepileptic drugs.
  • Seizure diaries and regular assessments monitored frequency and side effects over 1-5 years.

Main Results:

  • 46% of patients became seizure-free, and 40% experienced a significant decrease in seizure frequency.
  • Optimal results were observed in absence and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome groups.
  • Adverse effects like weight gain and aggression were infrequent.

Conclusions:

  • Prednisone is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for intractable generalized epilepsy in older children.
  • It offers a valuable alternative for patients unresponsive to conventional antiepileptic drugs.

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