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Retention rate of Gabapentin in children with intractable epilepsies at 1 year

J K A Mills1, N E Ruslan, T G Lewis

  • 1School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.

Seizure
|October 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Gabapentin (GAB) is an effective antiepileptic drug for children with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. This study shows GAB is well-tolerated, with over half remaining on treatment after one year.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Gabapentin (GAB) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used as a second-line treatment in pediatric epilepsy.
  • Many children with epilepsy require multiple AEDs due to treatment resistance.
  • Understanding GAB's efficacy and tolerability in this population is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and retention rates of Gabapentin in children with epilepsy.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes of GAB treatment in a pediatric cohort.
  • To identify predictors of treatment response and adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Multi-centre retrospective observational study.
  • Inclusion of 105 children aged 0-17.5 years with epilepsy.
  • Analysis of treatment duration, seizure frequency, and adverse events over a 14-year period.

Main Results:

  • Gabapentin was initiated as a third or later AED in 72% of patients.
  • 35% of patients experienced seizure improvement (>50% reduction) at over 12 months, with 6% seizure-free.
  • GAB was well-tolerated, with 55% remaining on treatment beyond 1 year and no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusions:

  • Gabapentin demonstrates efficacy and tolerability in children with difficult-to-treat focal and generalized epilepsies.
  • A significant proportion of pediatric patients benefit from long-term GAB treatment.
  • GAB is a valuable option for children with refractory epilepsy, showing a good response beyond 12 months.

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