The efficacy and adverse effects of topiramate in Add on therapy in children with intractable epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of topiramate add on therapy in children with intractable epilepsy.Materials and Method: The efficacy and adverse events of topiramate were evaluated in 166 children (67 girls, 99 boys). The classification of the epilepsies were as follows: partial 82 (49.4%), generalized 8 (4.8%), secondarily generalized 6 (3.8%), myoclonic 24 (14.5%) and epileptic syndromes 34 (27.7%). Topiramate was initiated at a daily dose of 0.5-1 mg/kg, up to an approximate daily dose of 9 mg/kg. The patients were assessed for the seizure frequency, duration and adverse events during the follow-up. Response to treatment was classified as good (complete, > 75%), moderately (25-75%) and poor (0-25%).Results: Response to treatment among 166 patients were as follows: 85 (51.2%) good, 39 (23.5%) moderately and 42 (25.3%) poor. The efficacy rates according to the seizure types were 45 (54.9%) good, 22 (26.8%) moderately, 15 (18.3%) poor for partial seizures; 8 (100%) good for generalized whereas 10 (41.7%) good, 4 (16.7%) moderately and 10 (41.7%) poor for myoclonic seizures. Generally topiramate appeared to be more effective in partial epilepsy than generalized and myoclonic epilepsy (p=0.008 and p=0.024). Adverse events were present in 33 patients (19.9%), mostly as somnolence (n=9, 5.4%). Topiramate was discontinued because of poor response in 33 patients (19.9%), severe adverse events in 4 (2.4%), increase in the frequency of seizures in 3 (1.8%) and long term seizure free follow-up in 2 (1.2%).Conclusion: Topiramate seems to be highly effective and safe in intractable epileptic patients. However, the drug specific adverse events should always be kept in mind during the follow-up.