Vigabatrin in refractory childhood epilepsy. The Brazilian Multicenter Study
J L Gherpelli1, M M Guerreiro, J C da Costa
1Serviço de Neurologia Infantil, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
Epilepsy Research
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Vigabatrin effectively reduced seizure frequency in children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy. While some experienced adverse effects, the drug demonstrated significant efficacy for both partial and generalized seizures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
- Drug-resistant epilepsy poses significant treatment challenges.
- Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug with a known mechanism of action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vigabatrin as an add-on therapy in children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.
- To assess the impact of vigabatrin on seizure frequency in different seizure types.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, open-label, add-on trial involving 47 children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Exclusion of patients with West syndrome and idiopathic generalized epilepsies.
- Dosage of vigabatrin ranged from 19.3 to 110.5 mg/kg per day, with a mean of 63.6 mg/kg.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in seizure frequency for both partial (P = 0.022) and generalized seizures (P < 0.0001).
- Over 50% seizure reduction achieved in 39.5% of partial and 60.8% of generalized seizures.
- Adverse effects reported in 38.3% of patients, including irritability, hyperactivity, and somnolence.
Conclusions:
- Vigabatrin is an effective treatment option for reducing seizure frequency in children with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.
- The drug's safety profile requires careful monitoring due to potential adverse effects.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:08Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...