Efficacy and Tolerability of Rufinamide for Intractable Generalized Epilepsies.
- Author:
Il Han YOO
1
;
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
Author Information
1. Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Rufinamide;
Efficacy;
Adverse event;
Seizure;
Generalized
- MeSH:
Ataxia;
Epilepsy;
Epilepsy, Generalized;
Female;
Humans;
Male;
Medical Records;
Retention (Psychology);
Retrospective Studies;
Seizures;
Triazoles
- From:
Journal of the Korean Child Neurology Society
2012;20(3):164-169
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
