2009 Volume 27 Issue 1 Pages 3-11
To evaluate the usefulness of topiramate for the treatment of childhood intractable epilepsy, we performed a prospective open label study on 53 children and adolescents aged 0.4-18.6 years (average±SD, 9.2±5.1 years). They had intractable seizures ≥twice a month that persisted despite appropriate usage of ≥two antiepileptic agents. The initial topiramate dose was 1.4±0.7mg/kg and the dosages were titrated to 6.4±4.2mg/kg (average±SD). The responder rate (the rate of patients with ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) was 25/53 (47.2%) in total. The responder rate in those with generalized seizure was 9/17 (52.9%), and that was compatible with the responder rate in those with partial seizure; 16/36 (44.4%). Fifteen patients had adverse experiences: somnolence occurred in 8 patients, hypohidrosis in 4, drooling, fainting, behavioral disturbance in one, respectively. These adverse effects were mild and disappeared without any other treatment except discontinuation of topiramate. Topiramate seems to be useful for children with generalized seizures as well as those with partial seizures, as adjunctive medication for childhood intractable epilepsy.
