Epilepsy with myoclonic absences - favourable response to add-on rufinamide treatment in 3 cases.
Author(s): Hausler M, Kluger G, Nikanorova M
Affiliation(s): Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. haeusler@rwth-aachen.de
Publication date & source: 2011-02, Neuropediatrics., 42(1):28-9. Epub 2011 May 9.
Publication type: Case Reports
BACKGROUND: Epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA) is a rare epileptic syndrome with frequently poor response to antiepileptic treatment. Rufinamide (RUF) is a relatively new EMEA- and FDA-approved anticonvulsant licensed as an orphan drug for the adjunctive treatment of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis in 3 patients was performed. RESULTS: Add-on RUF treatment was initiated in 3 boys with EMA refractory to conventional antiepileptic therapy (primidone + valproic acid, n=1; levetiracetame + ethosuximide, n=2). It resulted in complete cessation of all seizures in 2, and a 50% reduction of the seizure frequency in one child, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RUF add-on therapy should be considered in children with EMA not responding to conventional antiepileptic therapy. (c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.
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