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07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Immunomodulatory interventions for focal epilepsy syndromes
Lauren Walker1, Munir Pirmohamed, Anthony G Marson
1Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. lauren.walker@liv.ac.uk.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 28, 2013
Summary
Immunomodulatory interventions like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) showed no significant benefit in reducing seizures for adults with focal epilepsy. More research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety in epilepsy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Epilepsy affects many adults, with 30% not achieving seizure freedom despite antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
- Inflammation is implicated in epilepsy pathogenesis, suggesting immunomodulatory interventions as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of immunomodulatory interventions as adjunctive therapy for adult focal epilepsy syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of add-on immunomodulatory drugs in adults with focal epilepsy.
- Assessed trial quality and extracted data on seizure frequency reduction, seizure freedom, adverse effects, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- One RCT (n=61) involving children and adults evaluated intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as add-on therapy.
- No significant difference was found between IVIG and placebo for seizure freedom or ≥50% seizure frequency reduction.
- A statistically significant benefit for IVIG was noted in global blind assessment, but secondary outcomes like adverse effects were not demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to conclude on the role or safety of immunomodulatory interventions for adult epilepsy.
- Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish efficacy and safety in this patient population.
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