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Published on: September 20, 2024
Pregabalin: preliminary experience in intractable childhood epilepsy
Mohammed M S Jan1, Sobia A Zuberi, Bayan A Alsaihati
1Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. mmsjan@yahoo.ca
Pediatric Neurology
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Pregabalin, an antiepileptic drug, showed promise in treating severe childhood epilepsy. It reduced daily seizures in many children, though caution is advised for those with myoclonic epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Epilepsy
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
- Drug-resistant epilepsy poses significant challenges in pediatric populations.
- Current treatments for severe childhood epilepsy often have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin as an add-on therapy for children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.
- To assess the impact of pregabalin on seizure frequency and severity in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, open-label, add-on trial.
- Inclusion of 19 children (aged 4-15 years) with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Administration of pregabalin at 150-300 mg/day.
Main Results:
- One child (6%) achieved seizure freedom; seven (37%) experienced >50% seizure reduction.
- Daily seizures decreased significantly, from 74% to 37% (P < 0.002).
- Side effects included somnolence and behavioral changes; withdrawal occurred in 37% due to efficacy or worsening epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Pregabalin may be a beneficial add-on treatment for refractory childhood epilepsy.
- Caution is recommended when using pregabalin in children with myoclonic epilepsy.
- Further controlled studies are necessary to confirm long-term efficacy and tolerability.
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