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Tidd SJS, Zhang RX, Cantrell C, Nowacki AS, Singh T, Wilson R. Factors associated with initiation of pharmacological therapy and treatment changes in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1411960. [PMID: 38966085 PMCID: PMC11222644 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1411960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a heterogenous disorder of the autonomic nervous system that is often disabling. There are no FDA-approved therapies for the treatment of this condition. While some patients recover with baseline non-pharmacological intervention, others require repeated trials of off-label pharmacological therapies. The reasoning for this variable treatment response is unknown. The purpose of this work is to identify potential factors that are associated with higher odds of starting pharmacotherapy and/or a higher rate of POTS treatment changes. Methods Chart review of demographic, disease and treatment descriptions, medical history, and tilt table examinations of 322 POTS patients who were diagnosed between 2018 and 2020 at our tertiary care center was completed. We first identified the most significant factors associated with an increased odds of starting pharmacotherapy using variable selection techniques and logistic regression. We then identified the most significant factors associated with changes in POTS treatment strategies using variable selection techniques and negative binomial regression modeling. A significance level of 0.05 was utilized. Results A total of 752 POTS-specific treatment courses were cataloged, and 429 treatment changes were observed. The most cited reason for a change in management was uncontrolled symptoms. History of migraine headaches, reported fatigue, reported palpitations and a previous POTS diagnosis at an outside institution were found to be associated with a higher odds of starting pharmacotherapy for POTS symptoms (Odds Ratio of 2.40, 1.94, 2.62, 2.08, respectively). History of migraine headaches, reported fatigue, and higher heart rate differences on tilt table examination were found to be associated with an increase in the rate of POTS treatment changes (44, 66, 13% increase in incidence rate, respectively), while reported neck pain was associated with a decrease (27% decrease in incidence rate). Conclusion Our work identifies important areas of focus in the development of high-quality trials involving both the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of POTS and highlights several characteristics of patients that may be more refractory to both baseline non-pharmacological treatments and current pharmacological treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan X. Zhang
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Amy S. Nowacki
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Tamanna Singh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Robert Wilson
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Neuromuscular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Stallkamp Tidd SJ, Nowacki AS, Singh T, Hayburn A, Wilson R. Comorbid anxiety is associated with more changes in the Management of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 87:1-6. [PMID: 38224642 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is not an anxiety disorder, but it shares similar symptomatology. The impact of this comorbidity on management is unknown. This information may lead to better strategies to improve the care of this subgroup. METHOD The electronic medical records of 322 patients seen at our institution between 2018 and 2022 with confirmed POTS diagnoses were analyzed. Demographics, anxiety comorbidities, questionnaire responses, and treatment course changes were collected. Negative binomial regression models examined if the presence of an anxiety disorder was associated with the number of POTS treatment course changes offset by observation time. RESULTS When adjusted for sex, age, baseline GAD-7 score, and baseline PROMIS global mental health score, those with a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder had2.6 times the incident rate of treatment changes for POTS management (IRR = 2.66 (95% CI: 1.43-4.95)). CONCLUSION Individuals carrying the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder had an increase in the incident rate of treatment changes for POTS therapy. This finding may be due to the underlying pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders, the effect of bias, and difficulty with symptom differentiation. More work needs to be done to determine how to best care for POTS patients with comorbid anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy S Nowacki
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tamanna Singh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anna Hayburn
- Department of Neuromuscular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert Wilson
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Neuromuscular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Fox J, Barnard S, Agashe SH, Holmes MG, Gidal B, Klein P, Abou-Khalil BW, French J. Patterns of antiseizure medication utilization in the Human Epilepsy Project. Epilepsia 2023; 64:3196-3204. [PMID: 37846772 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to ascertain the natural history and patterns of antiseizure medication (ASM) use in newly diagnosed focal epilepsy patients who were initially started on monotherapy. METHODS The data were derived from the Human Epilepsy Project. Differences between the durations of the most commonly first prescribed ASM monotherapies were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Subjects were classified into three groups: monotherapy, sequential monotherapy, and polytherapy. RESULTS A total of 443 patients were included in the analysis, with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 20-44) and median follow-up time of 3.2 years (IQR = 2.4-4.2); 161 (36.3%) patients remained on monotherapy with their initially prescribed ASM at the time of their last follow-up. The mean (SEM) and median (IQR) duration that patients stayed on monotherapy with their initial ASM was 2.1 (2.0-2.2) and 1.9 (.3-3.5) years, respectively. The most commonly prescribed initial ASM was levetiracetam (254, 57.3%), followed by lamotrigine (77, 17.4%), oxcarbazepine (38, 8.6%), and carbamazepine (24, 5.4%). Among those who did not remain on the initial monotherapy, 167 (59.2%) transitioned to another ASM as monotherapy (sequential monotherapy) and 115 (40.8%) ended up on polytherapy. Patients remained significantly longer on lamotrigine (mean = 2.8 years, median = 3.1 years) compared to levetiracetam (mean = 2.0 years, median = 1.5 years) as a first prescribed medication (hazard ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-2.2). As the study progressed, the proportion of patients on lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine as well as other sodium channel agents increased from a little more than one third (154, 34.8%) of patients to more than two thirds (303, 68.4%) of patients. SIGNIFICANCE Slightly more than one third of focal epilepsy patients remain on monotherapy with their first prescribed ASM. Approximately three in five patients transition to monotherapy with another ASM, whereas approximately two in five end up on polytherapy. Patients remain on lamotrigine for a longer duration compared to levetiracetam when it is prescribed as the initial monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Fox
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Barnard
- Department of Neuroscience, Alfred Center, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shruti H Agashe
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Barry Gidal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pavel Klein
- Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bassel W Abou-Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacqueline French
- Department of Neurology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Chang CW, Tseng WEJ, Lin WR, Ko PC, Liu CJ, Lim SN. Optimizing treatment persistence in epilepsy: a comparative analysis of combined antiseizure medications with different mechanisms of action. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231207161. [PMID: 37920860 PMCID: PMC10619360 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231207161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combination therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs) is a rational strategy if monotherapy cannot effectively control seizures, thereby aiming to improve tolerance and treatment persistence. Objectives To compare the efficacy of different ASM combinations among patients. Design Patients with epilepsy on monotherapy who had a second ASM added as concomitant two-drug therapy from January 2009 to May 2019 in the Chang Gung Research Database, Taiwan, were included in the analysis. Methods ASM combinations were compared based on their primary mechanism of action (MoA) which are as follows: gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (G), sodium channel blocker (SC), synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2), calcium channel blocker (C), and multiple mechanisms (M). Treatment persistence was compared, and the predictors of persistence were analyzed. Results In total, 3033 patients were enrolled in this study. Combined ASMs with different MoAs had significantly longer treatment persistence than ASMs with similar MoAs, specifically SC and M combinations. Patients receiving combined ASMs with different MoAs were less likely to discontinue treatment [adjusted hazards ratio: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.93), p < 0.001]. Among all combinations, the SC + SV2 combination had the longest treatment persistence (mean ± SD: 912.7 ± 841.6 days). Meanwhile, patients receiving the G combination had a higher risk of treatment discontinuation than those receiving the SC + SV2 combination. Underlying malignancies were associated with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation across all MoA categories. Male patients receiving the SC, SV2, and M combinations were more likely to discontinue treatment than female patients. Moreover, patients with renal disease were more likely to discontinue treatment with the SV2 combinations. Conclusion ASM combinations with different MoAs had superior efficacy and tolerability to ASM combinations with similar MoAs, particularly SC and M combinations. In our cohort, factors associated with treatment discontinuation included underlying malignancy, male sex, and renal disease. These findings may provide valuable insights into the use of ASM combinations if monotherapy cannot adequately control seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Chang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City
| | - Wei-En Johnny Tseng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City
- PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City
| | - Po-Chuan Ko
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City
| | - Chun-Jing Liu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City
| | - Siew-Na Lim
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 5, Fuxing St., Guishan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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Xu C, Zhang Y, Gozal D, Carney P. Channelopathy of Dravet Syndrome and Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabidiol. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2021; 13:11795735211048045. [PMID: 34992485 PMCID: PMC8724990 DOI: 10.1177/11795735211048045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a channelopathy, neurodevelopmental, epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment that includes susceptibility to thermally induced seizures, spontaneous seizures, ataxia, circadian rhythm and sleep disorders, autistic-like behaviors, and premature death. More than 80% of DS cases are linked to mutations in genes which encode voltage-gated sodium channel subunits, SCN1A and SCN1B, which encode the Nav1.1α subunit and Nav1.1β1 subunit, respectively. There are other gene mutations encoding potassium, calcium, and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels related to DS. One-third of patients have pharmacoresistance epilepsy. DS is unresponsive to standard therapy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis, has been introduced for treating DS because of its anticonvulsant properties in animal models and humans, especially in pharmacoresistant patients. However, the etiological channelopathiological mechanism of DS and action mechanism of CBD on the channels are unclear. In this review, we summarize evidence of the direct and indirect action mechanism of sodium, potassium, calcium, and HCN channels in DS, especially sodium subunits. Some channels' loss-of-function or gain-of-function in inhibitory or excitatory neurons determine the balance of excitatory and inhibitory are associated with DS. A great variety of mechanisms of CBD anticonvulsant effects are focused on modulating these channels, especially sodium, calcium, and potassium channels, which will shed light on ionic channelopathy of DS and the precise molecular treatment of DS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Xu
- Department of Child Health and the Child Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Yumin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics; Department of Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health and the Child Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Paul Carney
- Departments of Child Health and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Steinhoff BJ. Cenobamate tablets as a treatment for focal-onset seizures in adults. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:161-172. [PMID: 33470139 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1879637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the introduction of numerous new antiseizure medications (ASMs) still about one-third of epilepsies remain drug-resistant. Therefore, new compounds with advanced efficacy are urgently needed. Cenobamate (CNB) is a new ASM that has been recently introduced in the United States for the treatment of adults with focal-onset seizures. The approval in Europe is under way.Areas covered: This review covers the pharmacological profile of CNB, the proof-of-concept trial, the two double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials investigating adjunct CNB in adults with focal-onset seizures, one open-label safety trial, and a variety of published abstract material that provided additional post hoc data.Expert opinion: In two placebo-controlled randomized multicenter phase 2 trials adjunct CNB showed unusually high efficacy with rates of seizure-free people with epilepsy (PWE) partially beyond 20%. However, during the clinical program cases of drug-related reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome) occurred. Therefore, an open-label safety study was performed in more than 1300 PWE with particularly slower titration schedules which did not add more cases with similar reactions. Taking into consideration the promising efficacy and the safety experience from the open-label trial, CNB applied according to the meanwhile recommended titration strategy, might offer a new prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard J Steinhoff
- Kork Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Janmohamed M, Lawn N, Spilsbury K, Chan J, Dunne J. Starting a new anti-seizure medication in drug-resistant epilepsy: Add-on or substitute? Epilepsia 2020; 62:228-237. [PMID: 33236785 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Randomized studies in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) typically involve addition of a new anti-seizure medication (ASM). However, in clinical practice, if the patient is already taking multiple ASMs, then substitution of one of the current ASMs commonly occurs, despite little evidence supporting this approach. METHODS Longitudinal prospective study of seizure outcome after commencing a previously untried ASM in patients with DRE. Multivariable time-to-event and logistic regression models were used to evaluate outcomes by whether the new ASM was introduced by addition or substitution. RESULTS A total of 816 ASM changes in 436 adult patients with DRE between 2010 and 2018 were analyzed. The new ASM was added on 407 (50.1%) occasions and substituted on 409 (49.9%). Mean patient follow-up was 3.2 years. Substitution was more likely if the new ASM was enzyme-inducing or in patients with a greater number of concurrent ASMs. ASM add-on was more likely if a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist was introduced or if the patient had previously trialed a higher number of ASMs. The rate of discontinuation due to lack of tolerability was similar between the add-on and substitution groups. No difference between the add-on and substitution ASM introduction strategies was observed for the primary outcome of ≥50% seizure reduction at 12 months. SIGNIFICANCE Adding or substituting a new ASM in DRE has the same influence on seizure outcomes. The findings confirm that ASM alterations in DRE can be individualized according to concurrent ASM therapy and patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubeen Janmohamed
- WA Adult Epilepsy Service, Perth, WA, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Katrina Spilsbury
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | | | - John Dunne
- WA Adult Epilepsy Service, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Albsoul-Younes AM, Masri AT, Gharaibeh LF, Murtaja AA, Al-Qudah AA. Frequency of antiepileptic drugs and response change in pediatric patients receiving 2 or more antiepileptic drugs. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2020; 25:269-275. [PMID: 33130807 PMCID: PMC8015607 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2020.4.20190113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of changes in antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) use, as well as concomitant changes in the degree of seizure control in pediatric patients, who are receiving 2 or more AEDs. METHODS A prospective follow-up study at Jordan University Hospital`s pediatric neurology clinics was conducted on epileptic pediatric patients receiving at least 2 AEDs between December 2013 and April 2014. Patients were followed for 12 months. RESULTS A total of 82 patients were included, with a mean age of 7.2+/- 4.7 years. The mean number of AEDs received by patients at enrollment was 2.4+/-0.6, and 2.5+/-0.7 after follow-up. Most patients (63.4%) experienced no change in seizure control, and the majority reported at least one adverse drug reaction. Most patients received lower doses than recommended, both at the beginning and end of the study. During the year, only 3 patients (4%) were eligible for dose tapering, which would then be converted to monotherapy. Follow-up appointments average was 4.2+/-2.9 visits/patients in one year. The frequency of medication changes and dose adjustment was very low, about one-third (29.3%) of patients requiring no change in AEDs during any follow-up visits. CONCLUSION During the one year follow-up study, most patients on polytherapy maintained their level of response to the AEDs, with minimal changes in their regimen despite frequent follow-up visits. Only a small percent could be converted to AEDs monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abla M Albsoul-Younes
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. E-mail:
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Łuszczki JJ, Podgórska D, Kozińska J, Jankiewicz M, Plewa Z, Kominek M, Żółkowska D, Florek-Łuszczki M. Polygonogram with isobolographic synergy for three-drug combinations of phenobarbital with second-generation antiepileptic drugs in the tonic-clonic seizure model in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:111-121. [PMID: 33025394 PMCID: PMC7862539 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Combination therapy consisting of two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is usually prescribed for patients with refractory epilepsy. The drug–drug interactions, which may occur among currently available AEDs, are the principal criterion taken by physicians when prescribing the AED combination to the patients. Unfortunately, the number of possible three-drug combinations tremendously increases along with the clinical approval of novel AEDs. Aim To isobolographically characterize three-drug interactions of phenobarbital (PB) with lamotrigine (LTG), oxcarbazepine (OXC), pregabalin (PGB) and topiramate (TPM), the maximal electroshock-induced (MES) seizure model was used in male albino Swiss mice. Materials and method The MES-induced seizures in mice were generated by alternating current delivered via auricular electrodes. To classify interactions for 6 various three-drug combinations of AEDs (i.e., PB + TPM + PGB, PB + OXC + TPM, PB + LTG + TPM, PB + OXC + PGB, PB + LTG + PGB and PB + LTG + OXC), the type I isobolographic analysis was used. Total brain concentrations of PB were measured by fluorescent polarization immunoassay technique. Results The three-drug mixtures of PB + TPM + PGB, PB + OXC + TPM, PB + LTG + TPM, PB + OXC + PGB, PB + LTG + PGB and PB + LTG + OXC protected the male albino Swiss mice from MES-induced seizures. All the observed interactions in this seizure model were supra-additive (synergistic) (p < 0.001), except for the combination of PB + LTG + OXC, which was additive. It was unable to show the impact of the studied second-generation AEDs on total brain content of PB in mice. Conclusions The synergistic interactions among PB and LTG, OXC, PGB and TPM in the mouse MES model are worthy of being transferred to clinical trials, especially for the patients with drug resistant epilepsy, who would benefit these treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarogniew J Łuszczki
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, PL, Poland. .,Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Dominika Podgórska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, PL, Poland
| | - Justyna Kozińska
- Chair and Clinic of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Jankiewicz
- Chair and Clinic of Cardiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Plewa
- Department of General, Oncological and Minimally Invasive Surgery, 1st Military Clinical Hospital, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kominek
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Żółkowska
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Steinhoff BJ. [Cenobamate-a new perspective for epilepsy treatment]. DER NERVENARZT 2020; 92:150-160. [PMID: 32990790 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-020-01000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In spite of the introduction of numerous new antiseizure drugs (ASD) over the last decades, the percentage of drug-resistant epilepsies has remained almost stable. To achieve seizure freedom in such patients with any modified ASD regimen is an exception. Cenobamate (CNB) is a new ASD that showed unusually high efficacy in the pivotal placebo controlled, randomized trials. In both studies (C013 and C017), the rate of seizure-free patients was sometimes more than 20% and thus in a range never reached over the last decades in comparable trials with other new ASDs. This suggests that CNB which is already approved in the USA might actually offer a new and encouraging perspective for epilepsy treatment concerning efficacy. In this review the pharmacological profile, the currently known mode of action, and the results of the clinical trials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard J Steinhoff
- Epilepsiezentrum Kork, Landstraße 1, 77694, Kehl-Kork, Deutschland. .,Klinik für Neurologie, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in 31 patients with refractory epilepsy: A single-center retrospective analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 109:107116. [PMID: 32388139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the efficacy of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MP) and responder characteristics in patients with refractory epilepsy. METHODS We reviewed medical records of our center to identify patients with refractory epilepsy treated with MP other than continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS), Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS), or Rasmussen's syndrome (RS) between 2004 and 2015. A course of MP consisted of intravenous methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day) on three consecutive days. Patients received multiple courses at intervals of four weeks. We examined seizure outcome, developmental outcome, antibodies to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors (GluRs), cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)-albumin/serum-albumin ratio, and interictal electroencephalograms (EEGs). Responder to MP was defined as maintaining seizure reduction rate (SRR) ≥50% for three months after the first course of MP. RESULTS Thirty-one consecutive patients treated with MP at our center were studied. Seizure types were focal onset impaired awareness seizure (FIAS) only (n = 23), FIAS with epileptic spasms (ES) (n = 7), and ES only (n = 1). Responder rate was 32.2% (10/31 patients), and seizure-free rate was 9.7% (3/31). Responders constituted 43.5% of patients without ES. No patient with ES was responder. Behavior and cognition also improved in 6 of 10 responders. History of seizure aggravation after inactivated vaccine before MP was found significantly higher rate in responder patients, comparing with nonresponder patients (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Methylprednisolone pulse therapy may be considered for possible treatment in patients with focal epilepsy with drug-resistant seizures without ES, and it may improve cognitive function and behavioral comorbidities.
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Verrotti A, Lattanzi S, Brigo F, Zaccara G. Pharmacodynamic interactions of antiepileptic drugs: From bench to clinical practice. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106939. [PMID: 32058303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of patients do not achieve seizure control with antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy, and polytherapy, with more than one AED, is often required. To date, no evidence-based criteria on how to combine AEDs exist. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aimed to provide critical findings of the available literature about the role of pharmacodynamic AEDs' interactions in patients whose epilepsies were treated with polytherapy. METHODS Electronic databases, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), were systematically searched to identify relevant studies on pharmacodynamic AEDs' interactions in patients with epilepsy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Most data on AED combinations are coming from animal models and preclinical studies. Combining AEDs with different mechanisms of actions seems to have greater effectiveness and lower risk of adverse event development. Conversely, the combination of AEDs may cause pharmacodynamic synergistic effects that may result in not only increased efficacy but also more adverse effects. Despite some AED associations that have been proven to be effective in specific epilepsy/seizure type (e.g., phenobarbital+/phenytoin for tonic seizures and ethosiximide + valproate for absences; lamotrigine + valproate for various epilepsy/seizure types), no clear and definitive evidence exists about AED combinations in humans. Examples of pharmacodynamic interactions that possibly explain the synergistic effects on efficacy or adverse effects include the combination between vigabatrin or pregabalin and sodium channel blockers (supra-additive antiseizure effect) and lacosamide combined with other sodium channel blockers (infra-additive antiseizure effect and neurotoxicity synergistic). The pharmacodynamic lamotrigine-valproate interaction is also supported by synergistic adverse events. Therefore, well-designed double-blind prospective studies recruiting a sufficient number of patients possibly with a crossover design and carefully ascertain the role of pharmacokinetic interactions and variations of AEDs' levels in the blood are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Hospital Franz Tappeiner, Department of Neurology, Merano, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Verrotti A, Tambucci R, Di Francesco L, Pavone P, Iapadre G, Altobelli E, Matricardi S, Farello G, Belcastro V. The role of polytherapy in the management of epilepsy: suggestions for rational antiepileptic drug selection. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:167-173. [PMID: 31855066 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1707668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Antiepileptic polytherapy may be indicated in patients experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy. To date, there are no evidence-based criteria on how to combine different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) together, in order to obtain the best therapeutic response.Areas covered: This paper reviews the available data about the various associations of AEDs in patients undergoing polytherapy, focusing on the most effective and well-tolerated polytherapies. Moreover, some controversial aspects of this topic are addressed.Expert opinion: Nowadays, there are no guidelines on polytherapy in patients with epilepsy; thus, the management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy is still uncertain, except for valproate/lamotrigine combination, which seems to be the only one recommended. Data regarding mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and, more importantly, the analysis of the valuable clinical studies of drug combinations can help physicians to choose the best and most effective AED association for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Renato Tambucci
- Pediatric Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Digestive Endoscopy and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Iapadre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Emma Altobelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Salesi Hospital Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Farello
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Belcastro
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Mental Health, ASST-LARIANA, COMO
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Mumford V, Rapport F, Shih P, Mitchell R, Bleasel A, Nikpour A, Herkes G, MacRae A, Bartley M, Vagholkar S, Braithwaite J. Promoting faster pathways to surgery: a clinical audit of patients with refractory epilepsy. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:29. [PMID: 30782132 PMCID: PMC6381714 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with epilepsy who cannot be adequately controlled with anti-epileptic drugs, refractory epilepsy, may be suitable for surgical treatment following detailed assessment. This is a complex process and there are concerns over delays in referring refractory epilepsy patients for surgery and subsequent treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the different patient pathways, referral and surgical timeframes, and surgical and medical treatment options for refractory epilepsy patients referred to two Tertiary Epilepsy Clinics in New South Wales, Australia. Methods Clinical records were reviewed for 50 patients attending the two clinics, in two large teaching hospitals (25 in Clinic 1; 25 in Clinic 2. A purpose-designed audit tool collected detailed aspects of outpatient consultations and treatment. Patients with refractory epilepsy with their first appointment in 2014 were reviewed for up to six visits until the end of 2016. Data collection included: patient demographics, type of epilepsy, drug management, and assessment for surgery. Outcomes included: decisions regarding surgical and/or medical management, and seizure status following surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures to assess anxiety and depression were collected in Clinic 1 only. Results Patient mean age was 38.3 years (SD 13.4), the mean years since diagnosis was 17.3 years (SD 9.8), and 88.0% of patients had a main diagnosis of focal epilepsy. Patients were taking an average of 2.3 (SD 0.9) anti-epileptic drugs at the first clinic visit. A total of 17 (34.0%) patients were referred to the surgical team and 11 (22.0%) underwent a neuro-surgical procedure. The average waiting time between visit 1 to surgical referral was 38.8 weeks (SD 25.1), and between visit 1 and the first post-operative visit was 55.8 weeks (SD 25.0). Conclusion The findings confirm international data showing significant waiting times between diagnosis of epilepsy and referral to specialist clinics for surgical assessment and highlight different approaches in each clinic in terms of visit numbers and recorded activities. A standardised pathway and data collection, including patient-reported outcome measures, would provide better evidence for whether promoting earlier referral and assessment for surgery improves the lives of this disease group. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1255-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Mumford
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patti Shih
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Bleasel
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Armin Nikpour
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Herkes
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy MacRae
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sanjyot Vagholkar
- Primary Care & Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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