Features of a subset of children with complex partial epilepsy requiring combination therapy for effective seizure control.

Abstract

To identify children with complex partial seizures with increased risk for suboptimal seizure control with 1 medication, a computerized database containing all patients seen in the context of a single pediatric neurology practice was reviewed for patients with complex partial seizures. Participants included in analysis were then divided into groups; a group in whom seizure control was attained with a single medication (group 1) and a group for whom 2 or more medications were required for seizure control (group 2). Status epilepticus, developmental disabilities, and the presence of coexisting other seizures/types were also significantly different, with a higher predominance in group 2 children. Patients with status epilepticus, coexistent seizure types, and developmental disabilities should be identified and more carefully followed, with a lower threshold for starting these children on a combination of antiepileptic drugs adhered to.

• Authors: Matthew E Sloan, Elisabeth Simard-Tremblay, Michael I Shevell
• Journal: Journal of child neurology (J Child Neurol) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 43-7 (Jan 2010) ISSN: 1708-8283 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19494358 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Databases as Topic
• Developmental Disabilities (complications)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Epilepsy, Complex Partial (complications, drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Retrospective Studies
• Seizures (complications, drug therapy)
• Status Epilepticus (complications, drug therapy)