| Efficacy and Tolerability of Rufinamide for Intractable Generalized Epilepsies. |
|
Il Han Yoo, Won Gi Hong, Jon Soo Kim, Hye Won Ryu, Sung Hwan Byun, Hunmin Kim, Byung Chan Lim, Jong Hee Chae, Jieun Choi, Ki Joong Kim, Yong Seung Hwang, Hee Hwang |
1Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
2Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. neuroandy@snubh.org
3Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
4Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. |
|
|
|
|
| Abstract |
PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rufinamide for intractable generalized epilepsies. METHODS: Eighteen patients with intractable generalized epilepsies were included in the study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Rufinamide was administered as an add-on treatment for intractable epilepsies. The initial administered dose was 10 mg/kg/day, which was subsequently titrated up to 30-50 mg/kg/day. The effectiveness was assessed by comparing the frequency of seizures after the treatment. The difference in number of seizures during 4 weeks was compared before and after reaching the final dose. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 13 males and 5 females (mean age 13.6+/-6.2 years, range 3.3-29.2 years). The responder rate (> or =50% in seizure frequency) was 39% and the seizure free rate was 11%. Retention rate was 44% and the reasons for withdrawal was adverse events (6/18 patients, 33%), aggravation of seizures (4/18 patients, 22%), and ineffectiveness (2/18 patients, 11%). Adverse events included hyperactivity, somnolence, ataxia and polyhidrosis. Adverse events and seizure aggravation occurred even at the starting dose of rufinamide treatment. CONCLUSION: Rufinamide can be used as an efficacious and safe adjunctive anticonvulsant for patients with intractable generalized epilepsy. |
| Key Words:
Rufinamide, Efficacy, Adverse event, Seizure, Generalized |
|
PDF Links
Full text via DOI
Cited
