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[Topiramate therapy in patients with refractory epilepsy]
E Corredera-García1, J Gómez-Alonso, M Arias
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital do Meixoeiro Vigo, España. enriquecorredera@eresmas.com
Revista De Neurologia
|October 9, 2003
Summary
Topiramate (TPM) effectively treated refractory epilepsy in 64% of patients, with 24% becoming seizure-free. This study demonstrates TPM
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- Drug-resistant epilepsy affects a significant portion of patients, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topiramate (TPM) as an add-on therapy for patients with epilepsy refractory to existing antiepileptic drugs.
- To assess TPM's effectiveness across different seizure types and etiologies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 patients with refractory epilepsy (partial and generalized seizures) was enrolled.
- Topiramate (TPM) was administered as an adjunctive treatment at dosages ranging from 75 to 550 mg.
- Patients were monitored for nine months to assess seizure frequency and treatment response.
Main Results:
- 24% of patients achieved complete seizure freedom, and 64% showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency (≥50%).
- Topiramate (TPM) demonstrated better outcomes in idiopathic epilepsy cases compared to complex partial seizures.
- No patients discontinued the study due to intolerance to topiramate (TPM).
Conclusions:
- Topiramate (TPM) is an effective treatment option for various seizure types in patients with refractory epilepsy.
- The study highlights the potential of topiramate (TPM) to improve seizure control and quality of life in challenging epilepsy cases.
- Topiramate (TPM) was well-tolerated, with no reported dropouts due to adverse effects.
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