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Dozières-Puyravel B, Nasser H, Bellavoine V, Ilea A, Delanoe C, Auvin S. Felbamate for infantile spasms syndrome resistant to first-line treatments. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:581-586. [PMID: 31850517 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To analyse the effects of felbamate in refractory infantile spasms/West syndrome. METHOD We conducted a 10-year retrospective study of infants (including all infants younger than 18mo) treated with felbamate for electroencephalography-recorded epileptic spasms persisting after first-line treatment. RESULTS In total, 29 infants (17 males, 12 females) were included in the study. Felbamate was initiated at a mean age of 13.8 months (range 4.5-66mo) after sequential administration or combination of vigabatrin and oral steroids; a ketogenic diet was implemented in 23 infants. Eight infants became spasm-free at a mean dose of 34.6mg/kg/day felbamate (range 26-45mg/kg/day). Mean duration of felbamate use was 19 months (range 1-67mo) for the 19 infants whose treatment was terminated. No severe side effects were observed. Reversible neutropenia led to withdrawal of felbamate in six patients. One spasm-free patient demonstrated recurrence when felbamate was withdrawn. INTERPRETATION N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors with felbamate controlled epileptic spasms in eight infants resistant to first-line treatment should be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hala Nasser
- Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - Vanina Bellavoine
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - Adina Ilea
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Delanoe
- Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France.,INSERM U1141, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Verrotti A, Iapadre G, Di Donato G, Di Francesco L, Zagaroli L, Matricardi S, Belcastro V, Iezzi ML. Pharmacokinetic considerations for anti-epileptic drugs in children. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2019; 15:199-211. [PMID: 30689454 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1575361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a chronic and debilitating neurological disease, with a peak of incidence in the first years of life. Today, the vast armamentarium of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) available make even more challenging to select the most appropriate AED and establish the most effective dosing regimen. In fact, AEDs pharmacokinetics is under the influence of important age-related factors which cannot be ignored. Areas covered: Physiological changes occurring during development age (different body composition, immature metabolic patterns, reduced renal activity) can significantly modify the pharmacokinetic profile of AEDs (adsorption, volume of distribution, half-life, clearance), leading to an altered treatment response. We reviewed the main pharmacokinetic characteristics of AEDs used in children, focusing on age-related factors which are of relevance when treating this patient population. Expert opinion: To deal with this pharmacokinetic variability, physicians have at their disposal two tools: 1) therapeutic drug concentration monitoring, which may help to set the optimal therapeutic regimen for each patient and to monitor eventual fluctuation, and 2) the use of extended-release drug formulations, when available. In the next future, the development of 'ad-hoc' electronic dashboard systems will represent relevant decision-support tools making the AED therapy even more individualized and precise, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Giulia Iapadre
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Giulia Di Donato
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | | | - Luca Zagaroli
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- b Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit , Children's Hospital G. Salesi , Ancona , Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Iezzi
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
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Moavero R, Pisani LR, Pisani F, Curatolo P. Safety and tolerability profile of new antiepileptic drug treatment in children with epilepsy. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2018; 17:1015-1028. [PMID: 30169997 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1518427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of pediatric epilepsy requires a careful evaluation of the safety and tolerability profile of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to avoid or minimize as much as possible adverse events (AEs) on various organs, hematological parameters, and growth, pubertal, motor, cognitive and behavioral development. AREAS COVERED Treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) reported in the literature 2000-2018 regarding second- and third-generation AEDs used in the pediatric age, with exclusion of the neonatal period that exhibits specific peculiarities, have been described on the basis of their frequency, severity/tolerability, and particular association with a given AED. EXPERT OPINION Somnolence/sedation and behavioral changes, like irritability and nervousness, are among the most commonly observed TEAEs associated with almost all AEDs. Lamotrigine, Gabapentin, Oxcarbazepine, and Levetiracetam appear to be the best-tolerated AEDs with a ≤2% withdrawal rate, while Tiagabine and Everolimus are discontinued in up to >20% of the patients because of intolerable TEAEs. For some AEDs, literature data are scanty to draw a high-level evidence on their safety and tolerability profile. The reasons are: insufficient population size, short duration of treatments, or lack of controlled trials. A future goal is that of identifying clearer, easier, and more homogeneous methodological strategies to facilitate AED testing in pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Moavero
- a Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department , Tor Vergata University of Rome , Rome , Italy.,b Child Neurology Unit, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department , "Bambino Gesù", Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Francesco Pisani
- d Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- a Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department , Tor Vergata University of Rome , Rome , Italy
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Shah YD, Singh K, Friedman D, Devinsky O, Kothare SV. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of felbamate in the context of a black box warning: A single center experience. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 56:50-3. [PMID: 26828692 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Felbamate was approved in 1993 to treat partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adults and in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in children. Its use was later restricted when rare but fatal cases of aplastic anemia and hepatic failure were identified. METHODS This single center analysis retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of felbamate in a cohort of children, adolescents, and adults with epilepsy. RESULTS A chart review identified 103 patients taking felbamate. The range of felbamate dose was 300-4500 mg (mean: 1800 ± 900 mg). The duration of therapy ranged from 1 month to 20 years (mean duration: 35 ± 45 months). Eighteen (17.5%) subjects experienced adverse events including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, gastric discomfort, diarrhea, mood and behavioral problems, high blood pressure, headache, and elevated liver enzymes. Out of these, 6 (5.9%) patients discontinued the therapy. No hepatic failure or agranulocytosis was observed. Fifty-nine (57.72%) patients achieved ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency, and 30 (29.12%) patients achieved seizure freedom. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that felbamate is safe, well tolerated, and effective in treatment of various types of epilepsy syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash D Shah
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, USA
| | - Kanwaljit Singh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA
| | | | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center, USA
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Heyman E, Levin N, Lahat E, Epstein O, Gandelman-Marton R. Efficacy and safety of felbamate in children with refractory epilepsy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2014; 18:658-62. [PMID: 24906615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the introduction of multiple new antiepileptic drugs in the past two decades, many patients with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures or significant side effects. AIM To present our experience with felbamate therapy in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and video-EEG recordings of all patients receiving felbamate until May 2012. Efficacy was determined according to seizure frequency during the week prior to treatment initiation and the week after the maximal dosage of felbamate was reached. RESULTS Fifty patients (34 boys) aged 4 months to 17 years (mean--5.5 years) were identified. Nearly third of the patients had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Mean epilepsy duration was 3.4 years (range--1 month to 13 years). The mean number of previous antiepileptic drugs was 7.5. The mean duration of follow-up was 1.1 years. Seizure frequency decreased by at least 50% in 29 (58%) patients. Side effects were reported in 22 (44%) patients, none of them included aplastic anemia or liver failure. In the responder group, the maximal dose of felbamate was lower and the patients were older compared to non-responders. CONCLUSIONS Despite current recommendations, felbamate is initiated following multiple AEDs. Based on its efficacy and safety data, earlier initiation of felbamate is recommended in children with refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Heyman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Noa Levin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Eli Lahat
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Orna Epstein
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Revital Gandelman-Marton
- EEG and Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
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Epilepsy, antiseizure therapy, and sleep cycle parameters. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2013; 2013:670682. [PMID: 23997949 PMCID: PMC3749600 DOI: 10.1155/2013/670682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A reciprocal relationship exists between sleep and epilepsy. The quality of sleep is affected by the presence and frequency of seizures, type of antiepileptic therapy utilized, and coexisting primary sleep disorders. Daytime somnolence is one of the most common adverse effects of antiepileptic therapy, with specific pharmacologic agents exhibiting a unique influence on components of sleep architecture. The newer generation of antiseizure drugs demonstrates improved sleep efficiency, greater stabilization of sleep architecture, prolongation of REM sleep duration, and increased quality of life measures. The emerging field of chronoepileptology explores the relationship between seizures and circadian rhythms, aiming for targeted use of antiseizure therapies to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize the adverse events experienced by the patients.
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Guerrini R, Zaccara G, la Marca G, Rosati A. Safety and Tolerability of Antiepileptic Drug Treatment in Children with Epilepsy. Drug Saf 2012; 35:519-33. [DOI: 10.2165/11630700-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of treatment for recurrent seizures. Uncontrolled seizures may cause medical, developmental, and psychological disturbances. The medical practitioner should thus strive to eliminate or minimize seizures. Treatment advances in epilepsy include 1) identification of the basic mechanisms of epilepsy and action of AEDs, 2) the introduction of new AEDs, and 3) the use of neurostimulation, including vagus nerve stimulation. Treatment with AEDs involves balancing each AED's efficacy against its side effects. In some patients, effective AEDs must be discontinued because of intolerable side effects. Although all AEDs have a proven efficacy, the choice of AEDs should be based on better efficacy for individual seizure types or epilepsy syndromes. Side effects also differ from drug to drug and must be taken into account. This article focuses on studies and expert opinion consensus to guide the choice of AEDs.
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Verrotti A, Loiacono G, Coppola G, Spalice A, Mohn A, Chiarelli F. Pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents with epilepsy. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2011; 12:175-94. [PMID: 21208135 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2010.517194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
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 epilepsy in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- University of Chieti, Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Policlinico, Via dei Vestini 5, Chieti, Italy.
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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