Optimization of the Treatment of Focal Forms of Epilepsy in Young Children

Abstract

A total of 30 children aged from 24 to 46 months were observed and were divided into two groups on the basis of clinical and instrumented signs: 22 patients (73%) had symptomatic focal epilepsy and eight patients (27%) had cryptogenic (presumptively symptomatic) focal epilepsy. Topamax (topiramate) was used as monotherapy (eight children) or in combined treatment (22 patients). The mean therapeutic dose of Topamax was 5.9 mg/kg/day. Treatment efficacy was assessed in terms of changes in seizure frequency. Positive results (complete cessation of seizures or decreases by at least 50%) were seen at six months in 19 patients (63.75%). Effects were absent or minimal in nine patients (29.5%). Increases in seizure frequency occurred in two cases (6.75%). Adverse events were recorded in 11 patients (36%); side effects requiring withdrawal of Topamax were seen in five cases (16%) and consisted of vomiting, increased seizure frequency, and enuresis.