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Published on: May 16, 2019
Epilepsy outcomes in elderly treated with topiramate
H Stefan1, L Hubbertz, I Peglau
1Epilepsy Center, University of Erlangen, Germany.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|April 4, 2008
Summary
Topiramate effectively reduced seizures and improved quality of life in elderly epilepsy patients. The medication demonstrated good tolerability, with common side effects including dizziness and tiredness.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy affects a significant portion of the elderly population.
- Treatment challenges in elderly patients include comorbidities and polypharmacy.
- Optimizing antiepileptic drug therapy in older adults is crucial for maintaining quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of topiramate in reducing seizure frequency in elderly patients with epilepsy.
- To assess the tolerability and safety profile of topiramate in this demographic.
- To investigate the impact of topiramate treatment on the quality of life in elderly individuals with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A one-year, open-label, flexible-dosing clinical trial.
- Inclusion of 107 elderly patients with epilepsy (mean age 69 years).
- Assessment of seizure frequency, adverse events, and quality of life using the QOLIE-31 inventory.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in mean monthly seizure frequency (from 3.7 to 1.6, P < 0.0001).
- 78% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency; 44% became seizure-free.
- Quality of life scores (QOLIE-31) improved significantly (from 57 to 68, P < 0.0001).
- Common adverse events included convulsions, dizziness, and tiredness.
Conclusions:
- Topiramate demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing seizures in elderly epilepsy patients.
- The drug was generally well-tolerated in this population.
- Topiramate treatment led to notable improvements in the quality of life for elderly patients with epilepsy.
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