[Sulthiame treatment for patients with intractable epilepsy]

We examined the antiepileptic effect and side effects of sulthiame in 28 patients with intractable epilepsy. The patients' ages ranged from 6 months to 34 years (mean: 8 years 7 months), and 26 of them were under 18-years-old. Nineteen patients had severe physical and mental disabilities. Sixteen patients had generalized seizures, and 12 had partial seizures. Sulthiame was administered at the dose of 50-300 mg/day (4-14 mg/kg body weight) as add-on therapy in all except one patient. Among the 28 patients, two with complex partial seizures (7%) became seizure-free. Eight patients (29%) (6 patients with generalized seizures and 2 patients with partial seizures) showed seizure reduction by > 50%. Among these 10 patients who showed positive responses, six developed tolerance within 2-5 months. Side-effects were observed in 5 patients, including enuresis, drowsiness, and drooling, none of which caused discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, we conclude that sulthiame is an effective and safe antiepileptic drug for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.