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Topiramate monotherapy in infantile spasm
Young-Se Kwon1, Yong-Hoon Jun, Young-Jin Hong
1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology, Inha University Hospital, 7-206 3-ga, Shinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-103, Korea. ysped@inha.ac.kr
Yonsei Medical Journal
|August 31, 2006
Summary
Topiramate monotherapy effectively treats infantile spasms, an age-related epilepsy. This study found 30% of patients became spasm-free, with significant seizure reduction in most, suggesting topiramate as a first-line option.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile spasm is a severe, age-related epilepsy often resistant to treatment.
- Topiramate, a broad-acting anticonvulsant, shows potential for pediatric epilepsy management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate as a first-line treatment for infantile spasms.
- To evaluate topiramate's impact on spasm frequency and hypsarrhythmia in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 20 patients with infantile spasms receiving topiramate monotherapy.
- Dose titration up to 12 mg/kg/day, with efficacy assessed via video-EEG and parental spasm counts.
Main Results:
- 30% of patients achieved spasm cessation and hypsarrhythmia disappearance.
- 70% experienced over 50% reduction in seizure frequency; spasm clusters decreased significantly.
- Idiopathic infantile spasms showed a higher response rate (50%) compared to symptomatic cases (17%).
Conclusions:
- Topiramate demonstrates efficacy and good tolerability as a first-line treatment for infantile spasms.
- Results support considering topiramate as a new standard first-line therapy for this condition.
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