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Reduced visual function associated with infantile spasms in children on vigabatrin therapy
Dena S Hammoudi1, Sophia S F Lee, Adena Madison
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|January 27, 2005
Summary
Children with infantile spasms treated with vigabatrin may experience reduced vision. Visual evoked potential testing suggests visual deficits are likely linked to infantile spasms, not the medication itself.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vigabatrin is an anti-seizure medication used in children.
- Potential visual side effects of vigabatrin are a concern.
- Visual evoked potential (VEP) testing can assess visual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate visual function in children with a history of vigabatrin use using VEP testing.
- To determine if visual deficits are present in this population.
Main Methods:
- VEP testing was used to measure contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.
- 28 children with seizure disorders who received vigabatrin were compared to 14 typically developing children.
- Factors like seizure type, vigabatrin dosage, and duration were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children with infantile spasms treated with vigabatrin showed reduced contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.
- These deficits were more pronounced compared to vigabatrin-treated children with other seizure types and controls.
- Seizure type was a significant factor, while other examined factors were not.
Conclusions:
- Children with infantile spasms on vigabatrin may have impaired visual function.
- The observed visual deficits appear to be associated with infantile spasms rather than vigabatrin.
- Further investigation into visual function in this patient group is warranted.