Seizures,antiepileptics, antioxidants and oxidative stress: an insight for researchers

Background: Neuronal hyperexcitability and excessive production of free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a considerable range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy. The high rate of oxidative metabolism, coupled with the low antioxidant defenses and the richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids, makes the brain highly vulnerable to free radical damage. The increased susceptibility of the brain to oxidative damage highlights the importance of understanding the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of seizures. Objectives: The present review aims not only to address the link between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and seizures, but also the modulation of the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance following seizures and treatment with antioxidants and antiepileptic drugs. Methods: A literature review revealed that there are articles that address the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological disorders, including those involving different seizure models where the modulation of the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance by seizures per se and by antioxidant agents is discussed. However, the critical role of oxidative stress in all seizure models is not uniform. Therefore, there is a need for a review article that will address all these issues together. Results/conclusions: The experimental and clinical data suggest a putative role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of certain seizure types. The pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance is not only modulated by seizures per se, but also by antiepileptic drugs. The ability of antioxidants for reducing the seizure manifestations and the accompanying biochemical changes (i.e., markers of oxidative stress) further supports a role of free radicals in seizures and highlights a possible role of antioxidants as adjuncts to antiepileptic drugs for better seizure control.     

Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures: Six patients treated with bromide

PurposeWe present six patients with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) and provide a comprehensive evaluation of potassium bromide therapy.MethodBetween February 1, 2007 and July 31, 2012, six patients who met the diagnostic criteria of EIMFS were treated with potassium bromide. Potassium bromide was added to other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in doses ranging from 30 to 80 mg/kg/day. Plasma bromide concentration was monitored. A therapeutic bromide concentration between 75 and 125 mg/dL was considered to be ideal.ResultsFour of six children responded well to bromide. One of these patients became seizure free, but remained severely mentally impaired. Two boys, currently 4 and 6 years of age, respectively, have monthly seizures as well as axial hypotonia and severe language impairment. The fourth child responded well to bromide, having only weekly seizures and moderate psychomotor retardation. The patient who became seizure free improved visual contact and head control. In the other three patients with good control, the seizures became focal without secondary generalization and status epilepticus and hospital admission was not required. The remaining two patients did not respond well to bromide. Adverse effects were seen in three cases: vomiting in one, drowsiness in another, and acneiform eruption in the face in the remaining patient. Adverse effects resolved with dose reduction.ConclusionEarly treatment with bromides should be considered in EIMFS to control the seizures and status epilepticus and to avoid progressive cognitive impairment. Potassium bromide is an old AED. Plasma concentration monitoring should be considered.     

布洛芬混悬滴剂和对乙酰氨基酚治疗小儿热性惊厥的疗效观察

目的 观察布洛芬混悬滴剂和对乙酰氨基酚治疗小儿热性惊厥(FS)的疗效。方法 选取2017年4月—2019年4月于本院就诊的FS患儿80例,随机分为对照组与观察组,每组40例,均进行抗惊厥、物理降温等常规治疗,在此基础上,对照组采用对乙酰氨基酚治疗,观察组采用布洛芬混悬滴剂治疗,观察2组临床疗效、退热效果、实验室检查结果(血红蛋白、血钠、血钙)及不良反应情况。结果 对照组治疗总有效率为77.5%,观察组为95%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后1 h,2组患儿体温差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗后3 h、6 h,2组体温均低于服药前,观察组患儿体温低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,2组血红蛋白、血钠、血钙浓度较服药前均显著升高(P<0.05),且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05);对照组不良反应率为7.5%,观察组为5%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 布洛芬混悬滴剂对小儿热性惊厥临床症状改善作用显著,值得推介。