Vigabatrin for infantile spasms

Abstract

We reviewed 20 infants receiving vigabatrin for infantile spasms. Patients were not enrolled in a formal study. All families obtained the medication abroad. Age at initiation of vigabatrin ranged from 1 to 48 months; nine infants had received prior treatment with various antiepileptic medications. Patients were begun on the lowest practical dose of 125-250 mg/day, with gradual daily increments to a target of 100 mg/kg/day, but maintained at the lowest effective dosage. Video electroencephalogram was obtained to document resolution of spasms and hypsarrhythmia. Of 20 infants, 12 responded with cessation of spasms and resolution of hypsarrhythmia, at doses of 25-135 mg/kg/day (median = 58 mg/kg/day). Partial responses were observed in six patients, whereas two had no response at 111 and 125 mg/kg/day. Additional new seizure types developed in three infants after initial response to vigabatrin. Increasing the vigabatrin did not have any clinical benefit. Vigabatrin is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for infantile spasms. The response is dose-independent, suggesting that starting at a low dose and gradually increasing, rather than beginning with an arbitrary 100 mg/kg/day dose is advantageous.