526例癫痫患儿用药情况调查

目的 了解我院癫痫患儿抗癫痫药物的使用情况,为临床用药及个体化给药提供参考。方法 对我院门诊526例癫痫患儿的抗癫痫药物的药品品种、血药浓度、症状控制情况进行统计、归纳和讨论。结果 我院抗癫痫药物以丙戊酸钠和卡马西平使用最多,两药对血药浓度控制较好,86%患儿的症状得到控制。结论 我院抗癫痫药物的使用基本合理,在用药过程中还应该加强药学服务和个体化给药。     

Pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents with epilepsy

Introduction: Childhood epilepsies are the most frequent neurological problems that occur in children. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) 25 – 30% of children with epilepsy remain refractory to medical therapy.

Areas covered: This review aims to highlight the main published data on the treatment of childhood epilepsy. The electronic database, PubMed, and abstract proceedings were used to identify studies. The aim of antiepileptic therapy should be to provide complete seizure control, if possible without the burden of any side effect. Since 1993, new agents have been approved for use as an antiepileptic. Although there are few published data (especially in pediatric populations) to establish that the second-generation AEDs are more efficacious than the older AEDs, they appear to have better tolerability.

Expert opinion: Old AEDs are efficacious agents that continue to play a major role in the current treatment of epilepsy. These agents actually remain the first-line treatment for many specific seizure types or epileptic syndromes. The new AEDs were initially approved as adjunct agents and – subsequently – as monotherapy for various seizure types in the adult and children. Despite these improvements, few AEDs are now considered to be a first-choice for the treatment of epilspsy in children.     

Access to antiepileptic drug therapy in children in Camagüey Province,Cuba

Objective To describe access to antiepileptic drug therapy and estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in children in Camagüey Province, Cuba. Methods All the community pharmacies in the province were visited and information collected about the number of children receiving antiepileptic drugs in 2009. Availability and cost of each antiepileptic drug were determined. The prevalence of epilepsy was estimated by determining the number of children receiving antiepileptic drugs. Results There were 923 children who received a total of 977 antiepileptic drugs in Camagüey Province. The estimated prevalence of epilepsy was 5.18 per thousand children which is lower than previously reported rates in other low and lower‐middle income countries. Most of the children (871, 94%) received a single antiepileptic drug. Carbamazepine and valproate were the two most frequently prescribed antiepileptic drugs. Antiepileptic drugs were available from the local pharmacy on 76% of occasions. If the antiepileptic drug was not available from the local pharmacy, the parent had to travel to another pharmacy to obtain the medicine. Conclusions The estimated prevalence of epilepsy in children in Cuba is lower than that estimated in other lower‐middle income countries. Access to drug therapy in children with epilepsy can be achieved in lower‐middle income countries.     

Advancing pharmacologic treatment options for pharmacologic treatment options for children with epilepsy

Introduction: The pharmacological management of epilepsy is continually modified by the increase in our knowledge about the efficacy and the safety on antiepileptic drugs.

Areas covered: This review covers the published data (2010–2015) on the pharmacological management of epilepsy in children and adolescent. We review the data from the most recent randomized controlled and open-label trials.

Expert opinion: Even if there is an increasing number of antiepileptic drugs approved for focal seizure in children and adolescent with epilepsy, each new approval would be considered as a significant addition to the current therapeutic options. Refractory epilepsy with focal seizure should not be regarded as a single disease but as numerous various patients. Because most of evidence of efficacy is primarily from placebo-controlled trials, there is no evidence to choose a treatment based on efficacy. In case of focal seizure, we explain how possible cognitive impact, mechanisms of action, pharmacologic characteristics and side effect profile are the factors taken into an account to propose a treatment. In case of childhood absence epilepsy, there are evidences showing the ethosuximide should be the first line treatment. Finally, we stress that trials in the pediatric epilepsy syndromes are required to propose better evidence-based pharmacological management.     

Valproate as a mainstay of therapy for pediatric epilepsy

This article reviews relevant pharmacologic and clinical information gathered for valproate since it was introduced into clinical practice 37 years ago and the application of this information for the treatment of childhood epilepsy.Valproate is available for oral and parenteral use. Oral forms are almost completely bioavailable but the rate of absorption varies between formulations. The Chrono tablet formulation has not been adapted for children aged <6 years, in whom the oral solution or syrup, requiring two or three daily administrations, has been used until recently. A new formulation specifically adapted for children, Chronosphere, administrated once or twice daily, is a modified-release formulation of valproate that minimizes fluctuations in serum drug concentrations during a dosage interval.Plasma protein binding is 80-94% and tends to decrease with increasing drug concentration. Valproate elimination is markedly decreased in newborns compared with older children and adults. Elimination by glucuronidation only becomes fully effective by the age of 3-4 years. In children aged 2-10 years receiving valproate, plasma clearances are 50% higher than those in adults. Over the age of 10 years, pharmacokinetic parameters approximate those of adults. Valproate can increase plasma concentrations of concomitant drugs, such as phenobarbital and lamotrigine, by inhibiting their metabolism.As a result of its broad spectrum of efficacy in a wide range of seizure types and epilepsy syndromes, valproate is a drug of choice for children with newly diagnosed epilepsy (focal or generalized), idiopathic generalized epilepsy, epilepsies with prominent myoclonic seizures or with multiple seizure types, and photosensitive epilepsies. In the group of cognitive epilepsies, in which severe spike and wave discharges are accompanied by cognitive deterioration, valproate, ethosuximide, or both should be tested before using corticosteroids. In comparative trials with carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital in focal epilepsy and with ethosuximide in absence epilepsy, valproate was as effective and showed a favorable tolerability profile, with minimal adverse cognitive and CNS effects. The low potential for paradoxical seizure aggravation and the long-term efficacy of the drug are additional important factors that contribute to its excellent profile. Intravenous valproate may be effective for the treatment of convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus that is refractory to conventional drugs. In infants, potential benefits should be carefully weighed against the risk of liver toxicity. Gastrointestinal intolerance is a relatively frequent, dose-related adverse effect of the drug in children. Bodyweight increase and tremor may be observed in older children and adolescents.Despite the challenge of newer drugs, valproate remains a gold standard antiepileptic drug for the treatment of children.     

Novel approaches to anticonvulsant drug discovery

Introduction: The history of epilepsy dates back to 2000 BC. Yet, it was not until 1912 that the activity of the first antiepileptic, phenobarbital was discovered by accident. After this discovery, the next antiepileptic drugs to be discovered (phenytoin and primidone) were based on the phenobarbital's structure. Then, in 1960, carbamazepine was developed empirically, while in 1962, valproate demonstrated anticonvulsant activity against experimental seizures. The next antiepileptic drugs synthesized were either modifications of the existing drugs (such as oxcarbazepine and pregabalin) or completely novel chemical structures (lacosamide, perampanel and retigabine).

Areas covered: The present paper briefly refers to the history of epilepsy and development of antiepileptic drugs. Further, the paper provides a discussion on the antiepileptogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs in terms of the constant percentage of epileptic patients with refractory seizures. The authors also review the likely factors involved in the false refractoriness (such as through the use of caffeine-containing beverages and smoking). Finally, the authors consider future directions in the search of novel antiepileptic drugs.

Expert opinion: In spite of the considerable number of newer antiepileptic drugs, the number of drug-resistant epileptic patients remains unchanged. This may be rather an indication of the suitability of the currently available discovery procedures for effective antiepileptic drugs in the whole population of epileptic patients. The authors, however, believe that it is likely that models of mimic chronic epilepsy will help bridge the gaps and aid in the discovery of novel antiepileptic drugs – ones that can effectively modify the course of the disease.     

A 2017 review of pharmacotherapy for treating focal epilepsy: where are we now and how will treatment develop?

Introduction: Focal epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy with approximately 30 million patients affected worldwide. There is a major challenge to develop new antiepileptic treatments as currently approximately one third of patients remain uncontrolled under our best standards of care.

Areas covered: An overview is given on first- and second generation antiepileptic drugs and their mechanisms of action, and on recent new strategies for antiepileptic targets, including drugs aiming at disease modification.

Expert opinion: Newer antiepileptic drugs have enabled a better tolerated and individualized treatment for many patients. Despite the successful history of antiepileptic drug development programs, second and third generation antiepileptic drugs targeting synaptic transmission have, however, failed to solve the problem of pharmacoresistance. New directions in pharmacological development include chronic models of epilepsy in drug screening and address primary and secondary epileptogenesis rather than focusing on the suppression of the symptoms, acute seizures. There is hope that the new approaches will allow for patient stratification for targeted therapy and will prove efficacy particularly in the patient group so far drug resistant.     

Treating myoclonic epilepsy in children: state-of-the-art

Introduction: Myoclonic seizures can be observed in various clinical settings and different epileptic conditions, including some forms of both diopathic and symptomatic epilepsies. Relatively little has been written on treatment of myoclonic seizures. Some old antiepileptic drugs, such as valproate and some benzodiazepines, are widely used but more treatment options exist today for some newer antiepileptic drugs. Nevertheless, patients can be refractory to drug treatment and some drugs may exacerbate or even induce myoclonus.

Areas covered: Key safety, tolerability, and efficacy data are presented for different antiepileptic drugs with antimyoclonic effect, alone and/or in combination.

Expert opinion: Treatment of myoclonic seizures in children is mainly based on prospective and retrospective studies, with little evidence from randomized clinical trials. Valproate is commonly the first choice alone or in combination with some benzodiazepines or levetiracetam. There is still insufficient evidence for the use of topiramate and zonisamide as monotherapy. Of major importance remains avoidance of medication that may aggravate the seizures. Better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms of myoclonic seizures and myoclonic epilepsies could yield great improvement in the treatment and quality of life of patients.     

Rufinamide for the treatment of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

Introduction: Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe treatment-resistant childhood-onset epilepsy. This review examines the role of the new drug rufinamide for the treatment of LGS.

Areas covered: MEDLINE and Google Scholar searches were undertaken. The pharmaceutical company was contacted for the latest information. LGS is characterized by the triad of diffuse slow spike–wave discharges in the electroencephalogram (EEG), learning disability (mental retardation) and frequent generalized seizures of multiple types, usually including tonic, atonic and atypical absence seizures. Felbamate, lamotrigine and topiramate have resulted in significant reductions in some seizure types, but no treatment has achieved acceptable seizure control in most patients. In a pivotal randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the new drug rufinamide achieved significant improvements in seizure control in previously resistant subjects when added to up to three concomitant antiepileptic drugs. Open studies including patients with LGS have also demonstrated efficacy. These trials and a large open trial in adults and adolescents with partial seizures have revealed no serious adverse effects so far. The most common adverse events were fatigue/somnolence and vomiting. Rufinamide is of value in decreasing seizure frequency in LGS, but seizure freedom is seldom achieved. Although no serious adverse effects have been identified, the limited data available at present allow no firm conclusions to be drawn with regard to safety.

Expert opinion: The data support a role for rufinamide in treating LGS. However, more efforts are required to provide antiepileptic drugs for this treatment-resistant epilepsy syndrome. Rufinamide might also be of value in treating other forms of epilepsy.     

中国儿童癫痫患者用药依从性现状和影响因素研究

目的：评价国内儿童癫痫患者用药依从性的现状和影响因素,为儿童癫痫患者合理用药提供循证医学证据。方法：用计算机检索中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、中国期刊全文数据库（CNKI）、中国科技期刊全文数据库（VIP）、万方数据库,全面收集国内有关儿童癫痫患者用药依从性现状和影响因素类文献。针对依从性现状,采用单组率的Meta分析进行数据合并,针对依从性影响因素采用描述性方法进行汇总分析。结果：共纳入26篇文献,共计患者5580例,样本量为38 ～ 2000（中位数为103）。儿童癫痫患者服药依从率在33%～ 88.1%,meta分析结果显示,依从率为62%,95%可信区间为0.56 ～ 0.68。影响癫痫患儿用药依从性的原因多种多样,包括患者自身因素（如对治疗有信心、对医生信任、担心不良反应等）、药物因素（如疗效、不良反应、服药种类、取药困难、治疗方案复杂等）、家长因素（如对癫痫的认知程度、子女个数）和环境因素（如医生叮嘱等）。病程长短、癫痫类型、患者年龄、家庭经济、家长文化程度和居住地等因素对依从性的影响存在争议。结论：目前我国儿童癫痫患者服药依从性不高,影响依从性的因素较多,且部分因素存在争议。建议开展大样本、长时间随访研究,以便更好地了解我国儿童抗癫痫药物使用依从性现状及相关影响因素,为抗癫痫药物的合理使用提供研究证据。     

The effect of antiepileptic drugs on the kidney function and structure

Introduction: Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with number of somatic conditions. Data from experimental, cross-sectional and prospective studies have evidence for the deleterious effect of some AEDs on the kidney.

Areas covered: This review summarized the current knowledge of the effect of AEDs on the kidney including evidence and mechanisms. Fanconi syndrome was reported with valproate (VPA) therapy in severely disabled children with epilepsy. Renal tubular acidosis and urolithiasis were reported with acetazolamide, topirmate and zonisamide, drugs with carbonic anhydrase inhibition properties. Increased levels of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) to urinary creatinine (U-NAG/UCr), urinary excretion of α1-micrglobulin, β-galactosidase activity; and urinary malondialdehyde to creatinine (MDA/Cr), markers of renal glomerular and tubular injury, were reported with chronic use of some AEDs (VPA, carbamazepine and phenytoin). The mechanism(s) of kidney dysfunction/injury induced by AEDs is unknown. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that VPA induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial deficits, carnitine deficiency and inflammation and fibrosis in renal tissue in mice and in vitro studies.

Expert commentary: It seems reasonable to monitor kidney function during treating patients with epilepsy at high risk of kidney injury (e.g. on combined therapy with more than one AED, severely disabled children, etc).     

An evaluation of zonisamide,including its long-term efficacy,for the treatment of focal epilepsy

Introduction: About 70 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from epilepsy. Despite a large variety of old and new antiepileptic drugs on the market, about 30% of people with epilepsy do not become seizure-free with medical treatment. This is a major individual and public health burden. Most of these difficult-to-treat patients are having focal seizures. Zonisamide is effective against focal seizures in adults and children and, thus, a therapeutic option for such patients. Its safety profile needs special attention.

Areas covered: Herein, the authors discuss the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and the adverse effects of zonisamide. The article is derived from clinical trial data, long-term studies, meta-analyses, review articles, text books, webpages, and official license information.

Expert opinion: Zonisamide has proven to be efficacious in focal epilepsy in children and adults, although it is not more effective than carbamazepine or other antiepileptic drugs. It is also effective in generalized epilepsy and in several other conditions of the CNS. Its safety profile may prevent it from becoming a first-line drug for focal epilepsy or any other indication.     

Brivaracetam for the treatment of epilepsy

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. With currently available antiepileptic drugs, one-third of patients continue to suffer from seizures even when treated at maximally tolerated dosages, either in monotherapy or in various drug combinations. Pharmacoresistance is associated with physical risks, reduced life expectancy, reduced quality of life and impairments in social opportunities. The acetamide derivate levetiracetam (LEV) that primarily targets the synaptic vesicle protein 2A has been one of the most successful second-generation antiepileptic drugs.

Areas covered: This article reviews a rationally designed LEV derivative, brivaracetam (BRV), which has an increased affinity to the LEV-binding site. BRV has shown some efficacy in the treatment of progressive myoclonus epilepsy and is under development to be used as an add-on treatment of focal epilepsy. Evidence is given for possible advantages related to the higher intrinsic antiepileptic efficacy of BRV and its antiepileptic potential in relation to a wide spectrum of epilepsy forms and for possible disadvantages related to hepatic metabolism and to a lower therapeutic index related to additional intrinsic activity at the sodium channel. An update on pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and study data published until 2010 on BRV is given.

Expert opinion: BRV is a rationally developed third-generation antiepileptic drug with higher binding to SV2A and additional mechanisms of actions. Animal studies are promising regarding its efficacy in a wide spectrum of epilepsy models. Clinical studies have shown good tolerability at dosages of up to 50 mg/day but have yet to identify the optimal dose range and to prove an additional value of the drug in terms of seizure control.     

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations for epilepsy – depression comorbidities

Introduction: Epilepsy may be frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and its co-existence with depression usually results in the reduced quality of life of patients with epilepsy. Also, the efficacy of antiepileptic treatment in depressed patients with epilepsy may be significantly reduced.

Areas covered: Results of experimental studies indicate that antidepressants co-administered with antiepileptic drugs may either increase their anticonvulsant activity, remain neutral or decrease the protective action of antiepileptic drugs in models of seizures. Apart from purely pharmacodynamic interactions, pharmacokinetic mechanisms have been proven to contribute to the final outcome. We report on clinical data regarding the pharmacokinetic interactions of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs with various antidepressants, whose plasma concentration may be significantly reduced. On the other hand, antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may influence the metabolism of antiepileptics, in many cases resulting in the elevation of plasma concentration of antiepileptic drugs.

Expert opinion: The preclinical data may provide valuable clues on how to combine these two groups of drugs – antidepressant drugs neutral or potentiating the anticonvulsant action of antiepileptics are recommended in this regard. Avoidance of antidepressants clearly decreasing the convulsive threshold or decreasing the anticonvulsant efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (f.e. bupropion or mianserin) in patients with epilepsy is recommended.     

Treatment of idiopathic generalized epilepsy – a review of the evidence

Introduction: Epilepsy is stratified into idiopathic partial, symptomatic partial, idiopathic generalized (IGE) and symptomatic generalized epilepsies.

Areas covered: The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of IGE are reviewed in this paper. Clinically, IGE is characterized by the occurrence of any of the following three seizure types: absence seizures, myoclonic seizures and primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. To assess the presence of evidence-based data on the treatment of IGE, the literature was extensively reviewed for studies evaluating the treatment of IGE with various antiepileptic drugs. These studies were stratified into four classes based on recently described criteria. Class I studies were considered as providing evidence of the efficacy of the drug in patients with IGE. Finally, suggestions to evaluate the efficacy of a study drug in patients with IGE are presented.

Expert opinion: Based on the reviewed data, there is strong evidence-based data to support the use of valproate and ethosuximide for the treatment of childhood absence seizures; for the use of topiramate as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for patients with primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures; for the use of adjunctive therapy with lamotrigine for the treatment of primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures; and for the use of levetiracetam as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of myoclonic or primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. To evaluate a new drug as a potential treatment for patients with IGE requires a rational methodology, discussed in this review.     

Pharmacologic treatment of status epilepticus

Introduction: Status epilepticus (SE) requires rapid identification of its cause and urgent pharmacological treatment. Despite an estimated incidence of up to 61 per 100,000 per year, evidence from high-class clinical trials is only available for the early stages of SE.

Areas covered: Following a four-stage approach of SE (early, established, refractory and super-refractory), we present pharmacological treatment options and their clinical utility.

Expert opinion: Intravenous lorazepam and intramuscular midazolam appear as most effective treatments for early SE. In children, buccal midazolam has emerged as first-line non-intravenous drug with similar efficacy and safety to other intravenous or rectal benzodiazepines. In established SE intravenous antiepileptic drugs are in use. There are no double-blind, but six randomized open studies with valproate and two with levetiracetam. A meta-analysis found higher rates of seizure cessation with valproate 75.7% (95% CI 63.7–84.8) and phenobarbital 73.6%, (95% CI 58.3–84.8) than with levetiracetam (68.5%, 95% CI 56.2–78.7) or phenytoin (50.2%, 95% CI 34.2–66.1). Based on the favourable tolerability profile of levetiracetam and valproate, the authors prefer these drugs in established SE over phenytoin. Treatment options in refractory SE are intravenous anaesthetics. In super-refractory SE ketamine, magnesium, steroids and other drugs have been used with variable outcomes. At this stage therapeutic decisions are based on doctors’ preferences, patient factors such as age and comorbidity, and cause of SE, if identified.     

丙戊酸托吡酯治疗儿童特发性全身性癫痫疗效比较研究

目的：评价丙戊酸和托吡酯治疗儿童特发性全身性癫痫的疗效及耐受性。方法：对1999年10月至2003年4月来我院的152例首诊特发性全身性癫痫并接受丙戊酸或/和托吡酯治疗的病人进行随访。并对结果进行分析。结果：丙戊酸单药治疗完全控制率为63．41％。托吡酯单药治疗完全控制率40．00％,二者有显著差异;丙戊酸部分控制者添加托吡酯治疗31．25％完全控制,托吡酯治疗部分控制者添加丙戊酸后36．84％发作停止。无显著差异。两种药物的不良反应均较轻且耐受性较好。结论：丙戊酸是治疗儿童特发性全身性癫痫的最有效药物之一。如丙戊酸未能完全控制发作。添加托吡酯治疗疗效好。     

Pharmacotherapy of the third-generation AEDs: lacosamide,retigabine and eslicarbazepine acetate

Introduction: The search for new, more effective antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) continues. The three most recently approved drugs, the so-called third-generation AEDs, include lacosamide, retigabine and eslicarbazepine acetate and are licensed as adjunctive treatment of partial epilepsy in adults.

Areas covered: For the above three AEDs, their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, drug–drug interactions, pharmacotherapeutics, dose and administration and therapeutic drug monitoring are reviewed in this paper.

Expert opinion: Lacosamide and retigabine act through novel mechanisms, while eslicarbazepine acetate, a pro-drug for eslicarbazepine, acts in a similar manner to several other AEDs. All three AEDs are associated with linear pharmacokinetic and rapid absorption and undergo metabolism. Their drug–drug interaction profile is low (lacosamide and retigabine) to modest (eslicarbazepine) in propensity. At the highest approved doses for the three AEDs, responder rates were similar. The most commonly observed adverse effects compared with placebo were dizziness, headache, diplopia and nausea for lacosamide; dizziness, somnolence and fatigue for retigabine and dizziness and somnolence for eslicarbazepine acetate. The precise role that these new AEDs will have in the treatment of epilepsy and whether they will make a significant impact on the prognosis of intractable epilepsy is not yet known and will have to await further clinical experience.     

341 例癫痫患儿用药特点分析

目的：探讨癫痫患儿临床用药特点,为临床合理应用抗癫痫药物提供参考。方法：回顾性分析2018年2月至2018年8月西北妇女儿童医院和西安交通大学第二附附属医院收治的341例癫痫患儿临床资料,对其用药方案选择及发作控制率进行统计分析。结果：341例癫痫患儿中,男女比例1.04∶1,年龄9个月~19岁,其中1~3岁患儿占比最大,为32.55%。经抗癫痫药物治疗,341例患儿Ⅲ级以上总体发作控制率为84.45%。单药治疗、双药治疗和三种及以上联合治疗Ⅱ级以上控制率分别为94.45%、69.63%和45.56%。单药治疗中使用率前3位的药物分别为左乙拉西坦、苯巴比妥和卡马西平;多药治疗中使用率前3位的药物分别为左乙拉西坦、丙戊酸钠和托吡酯。单药治疗以左乙拉西坦为主,联合治疗主要以左乙拉西坦＋丙戊酸钠或托吡酯为主。结论：儿童癫痫发病以婴幼儿期最多,药物治疗总体控制率较高,新型抗癫痫药和传统抗癫痫药在治疗选择中使用率相当,新型抗癫痫药物左乙拉西坦在各发作类型及各种治疗方案中使用率最高。治疗药物选择主要为左乙拉西坦、苯巴比妥和卡马西平,抗癫痫药物联合治疗方案主要为丙戊酸钠+左乙拉西坦和丙戊酸钠+氯硝西泮+左乙拉西坦。     

Stiripentol and vigabatrin current roles in the treatment of epilepsy

Introduction: Stiripentol and vigabatrin are the two anticonvulsant drugs currently approved in severe infantile-onset epilepsies, respectively Dravet syndrome and infantile spasms.

Areas covered: For both, the indication was discovered by chance thanks to an exploratory study. Both demonstrated indisputable efficacy through randomized-controlled trials. Stiripentol as adjunctive therapy to clobazam and valproate performed better than placebo, and vigabatrin as first-line monotherapy better than the reference steroid therapy in spasms due to tuberous sclerosis. At one-year treatment vigabatrin and steroids were equally efficient in the other etiologies of spasms. However, it took more than 20 years for both drugs to be approved world-wide.

Expert opinion: Stiripentol suffered from pharmacokinetic potentiation of clobazam, thus raising the question whether it was efficient per se. Finally, animal models and pharmacogenetic data on CYP2C19 confirmed its specific anticonvulsant effect. Stiripentol (in comedication with clobazam and valproate) is therefore to be recommended for Dravet patients. Vigabatrin was found to have a frequent and irreversible retinal toxicity, which required an alternative visual testing to be detected in young children. Today the benefit/risk ratio of vigabatrin as first-line is considered to be positive in infantile spasms, given the severity of this epilepsy and the lack of a safer alternative therapy.