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Li D, Franco S, Pennell PB. The impact of pregnancy-related hormonal and physiological changes on antiseizure medications: expert perspective. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38748860 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2356617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a disorder of recurrent, unprovoked seizures affecting approximately 15 million individuals of childbearing potential worldwide. Patients with epilepsy rely on regular daily therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs). Furthermore, ASMs are also prescribed for other neuropsychiatric indications (e.g. bipolar disorder, pain, migraines) with over 2% of the pregnancies in the United States involving prenatal exposure to ASMs. AREAS COVERED ASM concentrations are affected by hormonal and physiological changes in pregnancy, including increases in renal and hepatic blood flow, decreased protein binding, and changes in enzyme activity. Clearance changes typically reverse within a few weeks after delivery. During pregnancy, many ASMs, such as lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine, should have serum concentrations monitored and doses increased to maintain the individualized target range for seizure control. ASMs metabolized via glucuronidation, primarily lamotrigine, undergo marked increases in clearance throughout pregnancy, requiring about 3-fold the pre-pregnancy daily dose by delivery. Postpartum, ASM doses are usually decreased over several weeks to prevent drug toxicity. EXPERT OPINION In the future, the development of a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for various ASMs may enable empiric dose adjustments in pregnancy without the difficulties of frequent therapeutic drug monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Li
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Susannah Franco
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Page B Pennell
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Johannessen Landmark C, Eyal S, Burns ML, Franco V, Johannessen SI. Pharmacological aspects of antiseizure medications: From basic mechanisms to clinical considerations of drug interactions and use of therapeutic drug monitoring. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:454-471. [PMID: 37259844 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with epilepsy. Several new ASMs have recently been introduced to the market, making it possible to better tailor the treatment of epilepsy, as well as other indications (psychiatry and pain disorders). For this group of drugs there are numerous pharmacological challenges, and updated knowledge on their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties is, therefore, crucial for an optimal treatment outcome. This review focuses on educational approaches to the following learning outcomes as described by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE): To demonstrate knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug interactions with ASMs and with concomitant medications, and appropriate monitoring of ASM serum levels (therapeutic drug monitoring, TDM). Basic principles in pharmacology, pharmacokinetic variability, and clinically relevant approaches to manage drug interactions are discussed. Furthermore, recent improvements in analytical technology and sampling are described. Future directions point to the combined implementation of TDM with genetic panels for proper diagnosis, pharmacogenetic tests where relevant, and the use of biochemical markers that will all contribute to personalized treatment. These approaches are clinically relevant for an optimal treatment outcome with ASMs in various patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Member of the ERN EpiCare, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sara Eyal
- Institute for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Margrete Larsen Burns
- Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Valentina Franco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Clinical, and Experimental Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Member of the ERN EpiCare, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Epilepsy Complicating Pregnancy. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-022-00344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Roberti R, Rocca M, Iannone LF, Gasparini S, Pascarella A, Neri S, Cianci V, Bilo L, Russo E, Quaresima P, Aguglia U, Di Carlo C, Ferlazzo E. Status epilepticus in pregnancy: a literature review and a protocol proposal. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:301-312. [PMID: 35317697 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2057224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Status epilepticus (SE) in pregnancy represents a life-threatening medical emergency for both mother and fetus. Pregnancy-related pharmacokinetic modifications and the risks for fetus associated with the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and anesthetic drugs complicate SE management. No standardized treatment protocol for SE in pregnancy is available to date. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of the current literature on the management of SE in pregnancy and we propose a multidisciplinary-based protocol approach. EXPERT OPINION Literature data are scarce (mainly anecdotal case reports or small case series). Prompt treatment of SE during pregnancy is paramount and a multidisciplinary team is needed. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice for SE in pregnancy. Levetiracetam and phenytoin represent the most suitable second-line agents. Valproic acid should be administered only if other ASMs failed and preferably avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy. For refractory SE, anesthetic drugs are needed, with propofol and midazolam as preferred drugs. Magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment for SE in eclampsia. Termination of pregnancy, via delivery or abortion, is recommended in case of failure of general anesthetics. Further studies are needed to identify the safest and most effective treatment protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Morena Rocca
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, "Pugliese-ciaccio" Hospital of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Sara Gasparini
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Pascarella
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sabrina Neri
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Leonilda Bilo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paola Quaresima
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Costantino Di Carlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Issues pertaining to women with epilepsy have advanced with a better understanding of multidirectional influences among hormones, seizures, and antiseizure medications, as well as pregnancy-related concerns around fertility, seizure destabilization, and antiseizure medication-associated teratogenicity. This article highlights important developments in this field and reviews best practices in the management of women with epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS Important external hormonal influences may impact women with epilepsy particularly in the context of gender-affirming medications, hormonal replacement therapy, and fertility therapies. Fertility for women with epilepsy is influenced by multiple variables; however, in the absence of preexisting fertility issues, epilepsy per se is not associated with significantly impaired fertility. Once women with epilepsy are pregnant, the majority have a stable course. Antiseizure medication use in pregnancy is associated with major congenital malformations 2 to 5 times that of the general population and is highest with high-dose (≥1500 mg or greater total daily) valproate. Carefully considered changes in drug choice and dose may mitigate these risks. Therapeutic drug monitoring plays an important role in pregnancy care, and under expert supervision, women with epilepsy in pregnancy have similar seizure risks as women with epilepsy who are not pregnant. As women with epilepsy age, bone health and menopause may further be impacted by seizures and antiseizure medications. SUMMARY The care of women with epilepsy is a multifaceted discipline that recognizes the life-long impact of sex and gender influences on epilepsy care.
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Arfman IJ, Wammes-van der Heijden EA, Ter Horst PGJ, Lambrechts DA, Wegner I, Touw DJ. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antiepileptic Drugs in Women with Epilepsy Before, During, and After Pregnancy. Clin Pharmacokinet 2021; 59:427-445. [PMID: 31912315 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-019-00845-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the pharmacokinetics of an antiepileptic drug is altered because of changes in the clearance capacity and volume of distribution. These changes may have consequences for the frequency of seizures during pregnancy and fetal exposure to antiepileptic drugs. In 2009, a review was published providing guidance for the dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. Since that review, new drugs have been licensed and new information about existing drugs has been published. With this review, we aim to provide an updated narrative overview of changes in the pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs in women during pregnancy. In addition, we aim to formulate advice for dose modification and therapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs. We searched PubMed and the available literature on the pharmacokinetic changes of antiepileptic drugs and seizure frequency during pregnancy published between January 2007 and September 2018. During pregnancy, an increase in clearance and a decrease in the concentrations of lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine's active metabolite licarbazepine, topiramate, and zonisamide were observed. Carbamazepine clearance remains unchanged during pregnancy. There is inadequate or no evidence for changes in the clearance or concentrations of clobazam and its active metabolite N-desmethylclobazam, gabapentin, lacosamide, perampanel, and valproate. Postpartum elimination rates of lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and licarbazepine resumed to pre-pregnancy values within the first few weeks after pregnancy. We advise monitoring of antiepileptic drug trough concentrations twice before pregnancy. This is the reference concentration. We also advise to consider dose adjustments guided by therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy if the antiepileptic drug concentration decreases 15-25% from the pre-pregnancy reference concentration, in the presence of risk factors for convulsions. If the antiepileptic drug concentration changes more than 25% compared with the reference concentration, dose adjustment is advised. Monitoring of levetiracetam, licarbazepine, lamotrigine, and topiramate is recommended during and after pregnancy. Monitoring of clobazam, N-desmethylclobazam, gabapentin, lacosamide, perampanel, and zonisamide during and after pregnancy should be considered. Because of the risk of teratogenic effects, valproate should be avoided during pregnancy. If that is impossible, monitoring of both total and unbound valproate is recommended. More research is needed on the large number of unclear pregnancy-related effects on the pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge J Arfman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Danielle A Lambrechts
- Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe and Maastricht UMC+, Sterkselseweg 65, 5591, Heeze, VE, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse Wegner
- SEIN-Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Vazquez B, Tomson T, Dobrinsky C, Schuck E, O'Brien TJ. Perampanel and pregnancy. Epilepsia 2021; 62:698-708. [PMID: 33666943 PMCID: PMC7986165 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective The objective was to summarize pregnancy and fetal/postnatal outcomes following maternal perampanel exposure using preclinical and clinical data, and to use physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to improve understanding of perampanel pharmacokinetics (PK) during pregnancy. Methods Preclinical developmental studies with perampanel were conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits. Clinical data were collated from the Eisai global perampanel safety database, comprising reports of perampanel exposure during pregnancy from routine clinical settings, interventional studies, and non‐interventional post‐marketing studies, searched for events coded to Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) high‐level group terms of Pregnancy, Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Conditions and/or the Standardized MedDRA Query terms of Congenital, Familiar, and Genetic Disorders. A PBPK model was used to predict clinical perampanel PK throughout pregnancy. Results Preclinical studies indicated that perampanel may be linked with post‐implantation loss and/or some specific physical development delays but not fertility and early embryonic development. As of August 31, 2018, 96 pregnancies in 90 women receiving perampanel had been reported. No concomitant medications were reported in 26 (28.9%) women taking perampanel. Overall, 43 pregnancies reached full term (all normal live births), 28 did not reach term (induced abortion, n = 18; spontaneous miscarriage, n = 6; incomplete spontaneous miscarriage, n = 2; premature delivery, n = 1; stillbirth [Fallot’s tetralogy], n = 1), 18 were lost to follow‐up, and seven were ongoing at data cut‐off. Adverse events were reported in five full‐term neonates (low Apgar score, n = 2; fatal neonatal aspiration, n = 1; cystic fibrosis and congenital deafness, n = 1; poor sucking reflex and shallow breathing, n = 1). PK simulations predicted perampanel exposure decreases throughout pregnancy and is up to four‐ and three‐fold lower towards the end of pregnancy compared with non‐pregnant women for total and unbound perampanel, respectively. Significance These data provide preliminary information on perampanel use during pregnancy and should be interpreted with caution. Further outcome data are required to estimate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes with perampanel exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Vazquez
- NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Pharmacokinetic Variability During Long-Term Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Valproate, Clobazam, and Levetiracetam in Patients With Dravet Syndrome. Ther Drug Monit 2020; 42:744-753. [DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Johannessen Landmark C, Johannessen SI, Patsalos PN. Therapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs: current status and future prospects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:227-238. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1724956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- Program for Pharmacy, Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein I. Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Philip N. Patsalos
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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10
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Revisiting clinical practice in therapeutic drug monitoring of first-generation antiepileptic drugs. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-019-00662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Johannessen Landmark C, Fløgstad I, Baftiu A, Syvertsen M, Enger U, Koht J, Johannessen SI. Long-term follow-up with therapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2019; 155:106148. [PMID: 31195184 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with juvenile myoclonus epilepsy (JME) may experience uncontrolled seizures and challenges regarding adherence. Implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may contribute to individualization of the therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The purpose of this study was to investigate how the treatment of patients with JME is monitored and to demonstrate pharmacokinetic variability within and between patients with a long-term TDM approach. METHOD Retrospective data from patients with JME from the TDM-database at Drammen Hospital and the National Center for Epilepsy in Norway (2007-2018) were included. RESULTS Data from 80 of 90 patients with JME using AEDs with TDM measurements was included (88%, 49/31 women/men aged 14-39). One third (27, 33%) was seizure free, 19 (24%) had generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and 53 (66%) myoclonic seizures during the last year. The most common AEDs measured included lamotrigine, valproate, and levetiracetam. Long-term TDM demonstrated variability over time expressed as intra-patient median values and inter-patient ranges of 19% (7-47) for valproate, 43% (10-83) for lamotrigine and 35% (6-111) for levetiracetam. Fifteen pecent (83/563) of serum concentrations were below the reference ranges and clould be due to variable adherence. Comedication with valproate for lamotrigine and pregnancy contributed to variability. The applicability is illustrated in a case of 10 years' follow-up in a young woman. CONCLUSION There was extensive pharmacokinetic variability of AEDs in and between patients with JME. A long-term TDM approach may contribute to closer monitoring of patients with JME and be used as a practical tool during clinical consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Johannessen Landmark
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway; The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ida Fløgstad
- Programme for Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arton Baftiu
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marte Syvertsen
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla Enger
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Jeanette Koht
- Department of Neurology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacology, Section for Clinical Pharmacology, The National Center for Epilepsy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment. Since 1989, 18 new AEDs have been licensed for clinical use and there are now 27 licensed AEDs in total for the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Furthermore, several AEDs are also used for the management of other medical conditions, for example, pain and bipolar disorder. This has led to an increasingly widespread application of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of AEDs, making AEDs among the most common medications for which TDM is performed. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the indications for AED TDM, to provide key information for each individual AED in terms of the drug's prescribing indications, key pharmacokinetic characteristics, associated drug-drug pharmacokinetic interactions, and the value and the intricacies of TDM for each AED. The concept of the reference range is discussed as well as practical issues such as choice of sample types (total versus free concentrations in blood versus saliva) and sample collection and processing. METHODS The present review is based on published articles and searches in PubMed and Google Scholar, last searched in March 2018, in addition to references from relevant articles. RESULTS In total, 171 relevant references were identified and used to prepare this review. CONCLUSIONS TDM provides a pragmatic approach to epilepsy care, in that bespoke dose adjustments are undertaken based on drug concentrations so as to optimize clinical outcome. For the older first-generation AEDs (carbamazepine, ethosuximide, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and valproic acid), much data have accumulated in this regard. However, this is occurring increasingly for the new AEDs (brivaracetam, eslicarbazepine acetate, felbamate, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, perampanel, piracetam, pregabalin, rufinamide, stiripentol, sulthiame, tiagabine, topiramate, vigabatrin, and zonisamide).
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13
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Iapadre G, Balagura G, Zagaroli L, Striano P, Verrotti A. Pharmacokinetics and Drug Interaction of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children and Adolescents. Paediatr Drugs 2018; 20:429-453. [PMID: 30003498 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-018-0302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Selecting the most appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED) or combination of drugs for each patient and identifying the most suitable therapeutic regimen for their needs is increasingly challenging, especially among pediatric populations. In fact, the pharmacokinetics of several drugs vary widely in children with epilepsy because of age-related factors, which can influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of the pharmacological agent. In addition, individual factors, such as seizure type, associated comorbidities, individual pharmacokinetics, and potential drug interactions, may contribute to large fluctuations in serum drug concentrations and, therefore, clinical response. Therapeutic drug concentration monitoring (TDM) is an essential tool to deal with this complexity, enabling the definition of individual therapeutic concentrations and adaptive control of dosing to minimize drug interactions and prevent loss of efficacy or toxicity. Moreover, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling integrated with dashboard systems have recently been tested in antiepileptic therapy, although more clinical trials are required to support their use in clinical practice. We review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, and safety/tolerability profiles of the main AEDs currently used in children and adolescents, paying particular regard to issues of relevance when treating this patient population. Indications for TDM are provided for each AED as useful support to the clinical management of pediatric patients with epilepsy by optimizing pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Iapadre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 1. Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Opthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Zagaroli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 1. Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Opthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 1. Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Rubinchik-Stern M, Shmuel M, Bar J, Kovo M, Eyal S. Adverse placental effects of valproic acid: Studies in perfused human placentas. Epilepsia 2018; 59:993-1003. [PMID: 29667177 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In utero exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been associated with worse pregnancy outcomes compared to all other antiepileptic drugs. We have previously shown that VPA alters the expression of placental transporters for hormones and nutrients in vitro and in pregnant mice. Here, our aim was to characterize the effects of short exposure to VPA on the expression of carriers for compounds essential for fetal development in human placentas ex vivo, under controlled conditions. METHODS Placentas were obtained from cesarean deliveries of women with no known epilepsy. Cotyledons were cannulated and perfused in the absence or the presence of VPA (42, 83, or 166 μg/mL; n = 6/group) in the maternal perfusate over 180 minutes. A customized gene panel array was used to analyze the expression of carrier genes in the perfused cotyledons. We additionally measured in the perfused placentas folic acid concentrations and histone acetylation. RESULTS VPA significantly altered the mRNA levels of major carriers for folic acid, glucose, choline, thyroid hormones, and serotonin (P < .05) and reduced placental folate concentrations by 25%-35% (P = .059). The effects were observed at therapeutic concentrations sufficient to enhance placental histone acetylation, and some were concentration-dependent. SIGNIFICANCE Our results point to the placenta as a novel target of VPA, implying potential involvement of the placenta in VPA's adverse fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Rubinchik-Stern
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Miriam Shmuel
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sara Eyal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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