A pilot study on the anticonvulsive effects of a thyrotropin-releasing hormone analog in intractable epilepsy

In 1981, Inanaga et al reported on the efficacy of DN-1417 (a TRH analog) in the treatment of degenerative myoclonus epilepsy and other forms of intractable epilepsy. Following this report, we studied the efficacy and safety of DN-1417 treatment in 10 intractable epileptic children ranging in age from 6 months to 11 years (mean 4 years), including 7 with Lennox syndrome (LS), 2 with West syndrome (WS) and 1 with degenerative myoclonus epilepsy (DME). The daily dose was from 0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg, initially, and then was increased to 0.05 mg/kg. Complete control of seizures was achieved in 2 patients with LS, a 50% or greater decrease in seizure frequency was observed in one patient each with LS and DME and a less than 50% decrease in 1 with LS and 2 with WS. There was no change in 2 LS cases, and 1 LS case became worse. Activation of psychic activities, such as psychomotor activity, facial expression and motivation, was also noted in 7 of the 10 patients. Furthermore, improvement of motor function was noted in 5 patients. Electroencephalographic abnormalities improved in 2 completely seizure free patients with LS in which EEG ameliorated along with clinical seizure control.