Evaluation of ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in epilepsy patients

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the perimacular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements of epileptic and healthy individuals. Methods: The right eyes of 38 epileptic and 38 healthy individuals who had been using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for at least 1 year were included in the study. Central macular thickness, perimacular GCC thickness and volume, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layers were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. Perimacular 1, 3, and 6 mm circle diameters of Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) were selected for GCC measurements. Results: In epilepsy patients, GCC was significantly lower in the 3 mm superior quadrant and 6 mm in all quadrants compared to the control group (P < 0.05). RNFL was significantly thinner in epilepsy patients only in the temporal?inferior quadrant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the patients who received AEDs as monotherapy and polytherapy (P > 0.05). Conclusion: We found that epilepsy patients had significant thinning in the GCC layers and temporal?inferior quadrant of RNFL compared to the control group. Our findings from the study show that early retinal changes in epilepsy patients, especially perimacular GCC layers, can be followed up with OCT.

Amino acid metabolism characteristics of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in realizing drug withdrawal based on transcriptomic analysis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction(BBTD) on realizing withdrawal of anti-epileptic drugs and explore the relationship between BBTD and the amino acid metabolism by transcriptomic analysis in the rat model of epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. The rats with epilepsy were divided into a control group(Ctrl), an epilepsy group(Ep), a BBTD & antiepileptic drug integrative group(BADIG), and an antiepileptic drug withdrawal group(ADWG). The Ctrl and Ep were given ultrapure water by gavage for 12 weeks. The BADIG was given BBTD extract and carbamazepine solution by gavage for 12 weeks. The ADWG was given carbamazepine solution and BBTD extract by gavage for the former 6 weeks, and then only given BBTD extract for the latter 6 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by behavioral observation, electroencephalogram(EEG), and hippocampal neuronal morphological changes. High-throughput sequencing was used to obtain amino acid metabolism-related differen-tial genes in the hippocampus, and the mRNA expression in the hippocampus of each group was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). The hub genes were screened out through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, and Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Two ceRNA networks, namely circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, were constructed for ADWG vs BADIG. The experimental results showed that compared with those in Ep, rats in ADWG were significantly improved in the behavioral observation, EEG, and hippocampal neuronal impairment. Thirty-four amino acid metabolism-related differential genes were obtained by transcriptomic analysis, and the sequencing results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Eight hub genes were obtained through PPI network, involving several biological processes, molecular functions, and signal pathways related to amino acid metabolism. Finally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ternary transcription network of 17 circRNA, 5 miRNA, and 2 mRNA, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ternary network of 10 lncRNA, 5 miRNA, and 2 mRNA were constructed in ADWG vs BADIG. In conclusion, BBTD can effectively achieve the withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, which may be related to the transcriptomic regulation of amino acid metabolism.

Depresión en pacientes con epilepsia. Experiencia en un hospital privado de Argentina / Depression in patients with epilepsy: experience in a private hospital in Argentina

Resumen Introducción: La depresión es el trastorno psiquiátrico más frecuente en pacientes con epilepsia, con una prevalencia estimada entre 35% y 60%, asociándose a un peor control de crisis epilép ticas. A pesar de la gran prevalencia de depresión, muchos pacientes no son diagnosticados, presentando una peor evolución clínica y calidad de vida. No existen estudios de prevalencia en nuestro medio. El objeti vo fue determinar la prevalencia de depresión en epilepsia y su relación con el control de crisis. Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal de una cohorte de pacientes a los cuales se les realizó el Inventario de Depresión en Pacientes con Trastornos Neurológicos para Epilepsia (NDDI-E) y se analizaron datos de las historias clínicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 121 pacientes, la prevalencia de depresión fue 43% (n:52), el 77% eran mujeres (p = 0.01). Del total de pacientes con depresión, el 63% fue diagnosticado en este estudio. La mayoría tuvo buen control de la crisis (70%) y no presentó depresión, mientras que la mayoría con mal (57%) y regular (63%) control de la crisis presentó depresión (p < 0.001). Discusión: La comorbilidad entre depresión y epilepsia es altamente prevalente, influyendo negativamen te en el control de las crisis epilépticas. La mayoría de los pacientes se encuentran subdiagnosticados. El tamizaje de la depresión mayor en aquellos con epilepsia es necesario, contribuyendo a la mejoría clínica.

Abstract Introduction: Depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder in patients with epilepsy, with an estimated prevalence between 35% and 60%, associated with poorer control of epileptic seizures. Despite the high prevalence of depression, many patients are not diagnosed, presenting a worse clinical course and quality of life. There are no prevalence studies in our population. The main objective was to determinate the prevalence of depression in epilepsy and its relationship with seizure control. Materials and methods: It is a prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study of a cohort of patients who underwent the Depression Inventory in Pa tients with Neurological Disorders for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) and the data from the medical records were analyzed. Results: A total of 121 patients were inluded, and the prevalence of depression was 43% (n:52), of whom 77% were women (p = 0.01). A 63% of patients with depression was diagnosed in this study. Most of them with good seizure control (70%) did not present depression, while the majority of those with poor (57%) and regular (63%) seizure control presented depression (p < 0.001). Discussion: Comorbidity between depression and epilepsy is highly prevalent, negatively influencing the control of epileptic seizures. Most patients are underdiagnosed. Screening for major depression in patients with epilepsy is necessary, contributing to the clinical improvement.

Benzodiazepine partially reverses tonic-clonic seizures induced by thiocolchicoside

Seizures are a disorder caused by structural brain lesions, life-threatening metabolic derangements, or drug toxicity. The present study describes the behavior related to proconvulsant activity induced by thiocolchicoside (TCC) in rats and investigates the electrocorticographic patterns of this behavior and the effectiveness of classic antiepileptic drugs used to control these seizures. Forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into two phases of our experimental design: 1) evaluation of seizure-related behavior and electrocorticographic patterns induced by TCC and 2) evaluation of the efficacy of classical antiepileptic drugs to control the proconvulsive activity caused by TCC. Our results showed that TCC induced tonic-clonic seizures that caused changes in electrocorticographic readings, characteristic of convulsive activity, with average amplitude greater than that induced by pentylenetetrazole. Treatment with anticonvulsants, especially diazepam, reduced the electrocorticographic outbreaks induced by TCC. The results suggested that TCC caused seizures with increased power in brain oscillations up to 40 Hz and that diazepam may partially reverse the effects.

Mandible bone density in adolescents with cerebral palsy using antiepileptic drugs / Densidade óssea da mandíbula em adolescentes com paralisia cerebral em uso de drogas antiepilépticas

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bone density of the mandible in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) treated with antiepileptic drugs using one beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The study was carried out with 18 adolescents aged 12­18 years, undergoing routine dental treatment at the dental clinic of APCD-São Caetano do Sul. CBCT scans were of divided into two groups: G1 adolescents with CP using antiepileptic drugs and G2 normoactive adolescents. A single dentomaxillofacial radiologist assessed and evaluated the images using Dental Slice software and Image J. Fisher's exact tests as well as paired and unpaired Student's t-tests were performed. Results: Groups differed significantly with regard in the values of density (p < 0.001), with G1 presenting lower values compare to G2. G1 showed significantly lower density means on the right side, left side, and right/left sides of the mandible edge than G2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CP patients using antiepileptic drugs show evidence of bone mineral density loss of the mandible.(AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a densidade ótica óssea da mandíbula em adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC) tratados com drogas antiepilépticas por meio de tomográfica computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Métodos: O estudo foi realizado com 18 adolescentes de 12 a 18 anos, em tratamento odontológico de rotina na clínica odontológica da APCD-São Caetano do Sul. As TCFC foram divididas em dois grupos: G1 adolescentes com PC em uso de antiepilépticos e G2 adolescentes normoativos. Um único radiologista dentomaxilofacial assessou e avaliou as imagens usando usando os softwares Dental Slice e Image J. Os testes exatos de Fisher, bem como os testes t de Student pareados e não pareados foram realizados. Resultados: Os grupos diferiram significativamente quanto aos valores de densidade óptica (p <0,001), com o grupo G1 apresentando valores menores em relação ao G2. O grupo G1 apresentou médias de densidade óptica significativamente menores nos lados direito, esquerdo e direito / esquerdo da borda da mandíbula do que o G2 (p <0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com PC em uso de drogas antiepilépticas apresentam evidências de perda de densidade óssea da mandíbula (AU)

Research progress of anti-seizure medication combination therapy / 中华神经科杂志

Epilepsy is one of the most common and disabling chronic neurological diseases. About 70% of patients with epilepsy can be fully controlled by available anti-seizure medications, while the remaining 20%-30% are drug-resistant. Drug-resistant epilepsy is also known as refractory epilepsy, and refractory epilepsy usually requires a combination of anti-seizure medications. A reasonable combination of anti-seizure medications can reduce the frequency or even the freedom of seizures. To this end, this article summarized the general principles of anti-seizure medications combination therapy, tolerance and drug interaction, combination and synergism in human studies, and the application of non-ionic anti-seizure medications in combination therapy of refractory epilepsy by reviewing the literature, to improve clinicians′ understanding of combination therapy with anti-seizure medications for refractory epilepsy.

Trends in prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs among older adult inpatients in a Brazilian tertiary center / Tendências no padrão de prescrição de drogas antiepilépticas em idosos internados em um centro terciário brasileiro

ABSTRACT Background: Data on prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to older adult inpatients are limited. Objective: To assess changes in prescribing patterns of AEDs to older adult inpatients with late-onset epilepsy between 2009-2010 and 2015-2019, and to interpret any unexpected patterns over the 2015-2019 period. Methods: Patients aged ≥60 years with late-onset epilepsy from a tertiary center were selected. Demographic data, seizure characteristics and etiology, comorbidities, and comedications were analyzed, in addition to prescription regimens of inpatients taking AEDs to treat epilepsy. AED regimens were categorized into two groups: group 1 included appropriate AEDs (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, gabapentin, clobazam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, and lacosamide); and group 2 comprised suboptimal AEDs (phenytoin and phenobarbital). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for prescription of suboptimal AEDs. Results: 134 patients were included in the study (mean age: 77.2±9.6 years). A significant reduction in the prescription of suboptimal AEDs (from 73.3 to 51.5%; p<0.001) was found; however, phenytoin remained the most commonly prescribed AED to older adult inpatients. We also found an increase in the prescription of lamotrigine (from 5.5 to 33.6%) and levetiracetam (from 0 to 29.1%) over time. Convulsive status epilepticus (SE) and acute symptomatic seizures associated with remote and progressive etiologies were risk factors for the prescription of suboptimal AEDs. Conclusions: Phenytoin was the main suboptimal AED prescribed in our population, and convulsive SE and acute symptomatic seizures associated with some etiologies were independent risk factors for phenytoin prescription. These results suggest ongoing commitment to reducing the prescription of suboptimal AEDs, particularly phenytoin in Brazilian emergence rooms.

RESUMO Introdução: Os dados referentes à prescrição de drogas antiepilépticas (DAE) em pacientes idosos hospitalizados são limitados. Objetivo: Avaliar as mudanças no padrão de prescrição de DAE em idosos hospitalizados com epilepsia de início tardio, entre 2009-2010 e 2015-2019, e interpretar quaisquer padrões inesperados no período de 2015-2019. Métodos: Foram selecionados pacientes com ≥60 anos com epilepsia de início tardio admitidos em um centro terciário. Analisamos os dados demográficos, as características e etiologia das crises, as comorbidades e as comedicações. Foram avaliados os esquemas de prescrição das DAE no tratamento de epilepsia para pacientes internados. Os regimes de DAE foram categorizados em dois grupos: o grupo 1 incluiu as DAE apropriadas (carbamazepina, oxcarbazepina, ácido valproico, gabapentina, clobazam, lamotrigina, levetiracetam, topiramato e lacosamida); e o grupo 2 compreendeu as DAE subótimas (fenitoína e fenobarbital). A análise de regressão logística multivariada foi realizada para identificar fatores de risco para prescrição de DAE subótimas. Resultados: Foram incluídos 134 pacientes (idade média: 77,2±9,6 anos). Encontramos uma redução significativa do uso das DAE subótimas (73,3 para 51,5%; p<0.001); entretanto, a fenitoína permaneceu sendo a DAE mais prescrita para os idosos hospitalizados. Também encontramos um aumento na prescrição da lamotrigina (5,5 para 33,6%) e do levetiracetam (0 para 29,1%) no período. O estado de mal epiléptico (EME) convulsivo e as crises agudas sintomáticas que estiveram associadas a etiologias remotas e progressivas foram fatores de risco para prescrição de DAE subótimas. Conclusões: A fenitoína foi a principal DAE subótima prescrita em nossa população, e o EME convulsivo e as crises agudas sintomáticas associadas a algumas etiologias foram fatores independentes de risco para a prescrição da fenitoína. Esses resultados sugerem a necessidade de compromisso contínuo para reduzir a prescrição de DAE subótimas, particularmente a fenitoína nas salas de emergência brasileiras.

Niveles de vitamina D en pacientes con tratamiento anticonvulsivante para epilepsia que asistieron a la consulta externa de un hospital de tercer nivel de Colombia / Vitamin D levels in patients receiving anticonvulsant treatment for epilepsy in an outpatient clinic in Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La vitamina D actúa en múltiples tejidos y procesos fisiológicos. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los niveles de vitamina D en pacientes con epilepsia tratados con anticonvulsivantes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia que asistieron al servicio de consulta externa de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención de Neiva, Colombia, entre marzo y octubre de 2018. Se midieron los niveles séricos de vitamina D, paratohormona, albúmina y calcio. RESULTADOS: Una muestra de 90 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 36,5 (rango 18-81 años), 46 (51,1%) presentaron niveles bajos de vitamina D (38,8% en rango de insuficiencia y 12,2% rango de deficiencia). Se documentó asociación entre el sexo femenino y niveles insuficientes y deficientes de vitamina D, el no realizar ejercicio con niveles insuficientes de vitamina D, la exposición diaria al sol menor de 15 minutos y el no realizar caminata con niveles deficientes de vitamina D. El déficit de vitamina D se asoció con incremento de los niveles de paratohormona, mediana 103,9 pg/ml (rango 30,7-182,9 pg/ml, P <0,01). No se encontraron diferencias entre los niveles de vitamina D y el uso de monoterapia, politerapia, ni con la utilización fármacos inductores enzimáticos. CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con terapia anticonvulsivante es frecuente encontrar niveles insuficientes/ deficientes de vitamina D aunque no se encontró asociación con el uso de monoterapia, politerapia o inductores enzimáticos hepáticos.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D acts in many tissues and different physiological processes. The objective was to determine vitamin D levels in patients with epilepsy treated with anticonvulsants. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive, cross-section study in consecutive patients with epilepsy who attended the Neurology outpatient service of a university hospital in Neiva, Colombia, between March and October 31, 2018. We obtained serum levels of vitamin D, parathormone, albumin and calcium. RESULTS: There were 90 patients with a median age of 36.5 (range 18-81 years), 46 (51.1%) had low levels of vitamin D (38.8% in the range of insufficiency and 12.2% with deficiency). Females had more insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D; not exercising was associated with insufficient levels of vitamin D, daily exposure to the sun under 15 minutes and not walking, with deficient levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increase in parathyroid hormone levels, median 103.9 pg / ml (range 30.7 - 182.9 pg / ml, P <0.01). No difference was found between vitamin D levels and the use of monotherapy, polytherapy, or the use of enzyme-inducing drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In epileptic patients with anticonvulsants it is common to find insufficient / deficient levels of vitamin D although we found no association with the use of monotherapy, polytherapy or hepatic enzyme inducers.

Prescription pattern of antiepileptic drugs in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which affects about 0.5% to 1% of the population. The older antiepileptic drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin are the mainstay of treatment of epilepsy. With the development of newer drugs for various type of epilepsy, the prescribing pattern for epilepsy has changed over the last decade. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of antiepileptic drugs in outpatient department of a tertiary care health care centre in Kerala and to assess how adherent they are to the available treatment guidelines of epilepsy.Methods: Data was collected from patients attending the outpatient department of Neurology in Government Medical College, Kozhikode for 2 months from January 2018 to February 2018. A total of 442 patients were enrolled in the study and data regarding the type of epilepsy, the antiepileptic drug prescribed, and the demographic profile were recorded and analysed.Results: Among the study participants, 237 were males (53.6%) and 205 females (46.2%). The study showed that among the 442 participants enrolled, the most common type of epilepsy was focal seizures (64.5%) and the most commonly prescribed drug was carbamazepine (28%), followed by levetiracetam (22%) and valproate (20%). Majority of the patients were treated with a single drug (79.2%).Conclusions: Newer drugs have been increasingly added to the list of antiepileptic drugs, but most of them serve as adjuvant to older ones and the important drugs used as monotherapy are still the older ones.

Comparative Analysis of Antiepileptic Drugs between WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children and the National Essential Drug List of China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To compare the similarities and differences of antiepileptic drugs between 2019 edition of WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children （called“WHO-EMLc”for short ）and 2018 edition of the National Essential Medicines List （called“NEML”for short ），and to provide reference for the improvement of national essential medicines list and formulation of essential medicines list for children. METHODS ：By means of descriptive analysis ，the differences in the varieties ， dosage forms ，specifications and marker symbols of antiepileptic drugs were compared between WHO-EMLc and NEML. The marketing status of antiepileptic drugs included in WHO-EMLc and NEML were analyzed statistically. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS：There were 9 kinds of antiepileptic drugs included in WHO-EMLc ，all of which were under the category of anticonvulsant/antiepileptic drugs. There were 6 kinds of antiepileptic drugs in NEML of China ，and the other three kinds of drugs included in WHO-EMLc were included in the category of psychotherapy drugs in NEML. Eight kinds of antiepileptic 126 drugs were shared by NEML and WHO-EMLc ， namely 109614043@qq.com carbamazepine， valproic acid ， phenytoin sodium ， pheno- barbital，lamotrigine，diazepam，lorazepam and midazolam. The special antiepileptic drug in NEML was ocazepine ，and edu.cn the special antiepileptic drug in WHO-EMLC was ethylsu c- cinate. Oral dosage forms involved in WHO-EMLc included oral solution ，ordinary tablet，enteric-coated tablet ，dispersed tablet ， etc.，while oral dosage forms involved in NEML included ordinary tablet ，dispersed tablet and oral solution. In terms of dosage form of a single drug ，the drug specifications in WHO-EMLc were more comprehensive than those in NEML. In WHO-EMLc ， lorazepam was labeled with “□”，indicating that it was more effective and safe in similar drugs . Lamotrigine ，midazolam injection and phenytoin （25 mg∶5 mL and 30 mg∶5 mL）were labeled with “*”，indicating that there were special precautions for the drug or dosage form and specification. In NEML ，diazepam was marked with “*”，and diazepam injection was marked with “△”， indicating that diazepam appeared repeatedly under different classifications ；diazepam injection should be used under the guidance of doctors with corresponding prescription qualifications or under the guidance of specialists ，and the use monitoring and efficacy evaluation should be strengthened. In addition ，most of the antiepileptic drugs included in WHO-EMLc had been marketed in China，but the dosage forms on the market were relatively simple ，which could not meet the drug demand of children. Our country could learn from WHO-EMLc selection method to further improve the national essential medicine list ，formulate essential medicine list for children which was suitable for Chinese national conditionsas soon as possible on the basis of disease spectrum and drug clinical comprehensive evaluation. At the same time ，the government should also encourage the development and production of children’s medicines to ensure that children fairly access to drugs.

Adverse Skin Reactions with Antiepileptic Drugs Using Korea Adverse Event Reporting System Database, 2008–2017

Epilepsia y Variables. Departamento de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas del año 2016 al 2018 / Epilepsy and Variables. Department of Neurology, Hospital de Clínicas from 2016 to 2018

En el mundo hay unos 50 millones de personas con epilepsia. En países de ingresos bajos y medianos sugieren una proporción mucho mayor, entre 7 y 14 por 1000 personas. Las poblaciones pobres y las que viven en situaciones de vulnerabilidad, en particular en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos, soportan una carga desproporcionadamente alta; lo que supone una amenaza para la salud pública y el desarrollo económico y social. 1 Por el que el propósito de estudio fue conocer la característica epidemiológica de esta población. Se analizaron 281 fichas de pacientes con epilepsia, en un periodo de dos años, comprendidos entre 16 y 91 años. Resultados: 51.9% corresponde al sexo masculino y el 48.1% al femenino. El 63,34% presentó crisis focal. El 59,2 de los casos de epilepsia, se acompañan de trastornos psiquiátricos. Solo el 5% ha afirmado haber padecido algún efecto adverso a la medicación. Se desconoce la causa de epilepsia en un 58,58%. Dentro las causas de epilepsia secundaria; el Accidente Cerebro Vascular (ACV) se encuentra en un 22.4%. Llamativamente el 30.2% de los pacientes no cuenta con estudio de imagen de encéfalo. El 41.93% presentó crisis con el tratamiento, pero el 50% de los pacientes realiza tratamiento de forma irregular. El 53,73% presentaba tratamiento con un único fármaco anticonvulsivante, siendo la Carbamacepina la más utilizada. Conclusión: La Epilepsia tiene una alta prevalencia dentro de los desórdenes neurológicos. Afecta al sexo masculino de forma más importante, siendo la crisis focal la más frecuente. La baja asociación con trastornos psiquiátricos encontrados; nos obliga a hacer hincapié a ser más exhaustivos en la búsqueda de estos. En un alto porcentaje se desconoce la causa. Las causas más frecuentes de epilepsia secundaria fueron ACV y Traumatismo de Cráneo. Un porcentaje considerable continúan con crisis por incumpliendo del tratamiento. La Carbamacepina, el Ácido Valproico y la Fenitoína son los más utilizados, debidos a los costos y accesibilidad de los mismos, se deben establecer esfuerzos para proponer estrategias de intervención, para facilitar el seguimiento de los pacientes y que estos se puedan también beneficiar de nuevos fármacos anticonvulsivantes.

In the world there are about 50 million people with epilepsy. In low and middle income countries they suggest a much higher proportion, between 7 and 14 per 1000 people. Poor populations and those living in vulnerable situations, particularly in low and middle income countries, carry a disproportionately high burden; which poses a threat to public health and economic and social development. 1 Whereby the purpose of the study was to know the epidemiological characteristic of this population. Were analyzed 281 records of patients with epilepsy, over a period of two years, between 16 and 91 years. Results: 51.9% correspond to the male sex and 48.1% to the female. 63.34% presented focal crisis. 59.2 of epilepsy cases are accompanied by psychiatric disorders. Only 5% have claimed to have suffered any adverse effect to the medication. The cause of epilepsy in 58.58% is unknown. Within the causes of secondary epilepsy; Stroke is 22.4%. Notably, the 30.2% of patients do not have a brain imaging study; 41.93% presented a crisis with treatment, but 50% of patients performed irregular treatment. 53.73% had treatment with a single anticonvulsant drug, with Carbamazepine being the most used. Conclusion: Epilepsy has a high prevalence within neurological disorders. It affects the male sex more importantly, with the focal crisis being the most frequent. The low association with psychiatric disorders found; it forces us to emphasize being more exhaustive in the search for these. The cause is unknown in a high percentage. The most frequent causes of secondary epilepsy were CVA and Skull Trauma. A considerable percentage continue with crisis due to non-compliance with treatment. Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid and Phenytoin are the most used, due to their costs and accessibility, efforts should be established to propose intervention strategies, to facilitate the monitoring of patients and so that they can also benefit from new anticonvulsant drugs.

Evaluation Of Anticonvulsant Activity Of Ethanolic Extract Of Leaves Of Cajanus Cajan (L) Millsp. In Rodents

Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. is the perennial plant belongs to family Fabaceae, commonly called as Pigeon pea plant. The presence of phytoconstituents like flavonoids, the flavanone (substituted) from Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. have in vitro neuroactive property. This flavanone named as pinostrobin helps to inhibit voltage – gated sodium channels. Because of its bioactive phytoconstituents it may act as antiepileptic drug. To avoid problems like ADR herbal plant might be alternative to treat epilepsy. The current study was therefore carried out to evaluate antiepileptic activity of Ethanolic extract of leaves of Cajanus cajan in rodents. The effect of ELECC in MES-induced convulsions in rat and PTZ-induced convulsion in mice was evaluated using doses 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 7 days. Phenytoin (25 mg/kg), Diazepam (4 mg/kg) was used as standard drug for respective model. Depending on the model, outcome measures were abolishment of Hind Limb Tonic Extensor phase in MES-induced convulsion in rat and onset of latency, recovery or death in PTZ-induced convulsion in mice as well as biochemical estimation of amino acid neurotransmitter (GABA, Glutamate) were evaluated. The ELECC at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly delayed the HLTE phase in MES-induced convulsions in rat whereas, significantly increased onset of latency in PTZ-induced convulsion in mice. It also showed significant (p>0.0001) effect on the level of GABA and Glutamate in dose dependent manner in both models. The phytochemical study of C. cajan showed the presence of Glycosides, Flavonoids, Flavonones, Steroids, Tannins, Fixed oil, Fatty acids and Proteins. As the flavonoids present in C. cajan may contribute to the anticonvulsant activity of the plant. Therefore, the presence of such compounds in the extract may be responsible for the anticonvulsant effect. Therefore, present study validates its anticonvulsant activity. Further, research is required to elucidate its specific mechanism of action and isolation of responsible active principles.

Cefixime induce non convulsive status epileptics: a neurotoxic effect

Nonconvulsive status epileptics comprises a group of syndromes that display a great diversity regarding response to anticonvulsants ranging from virtually self-limiting variants to entirely refractory forms cephalosporins are thought to provoke seizure through inhibitory effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission and GABA receptors. Interference with GABA transmission result in pre-disposition towards excitatory neurotransmission, which can leads to seizures. Antibiotics can alter the serum concentration of anti-epileptic, resulting in seizures and anti-epileptic drugs toxicity.

Vinpocetina de liberación prolongada: un posible tratamiento adyuvante en crisis epiléptica de inicio focal / Extended-release vinpocetine: a possible adjuvant treatment for focal onset epileptic seizures

Resumen Introducción: La vinpocetina de liberación prolongada ha demostrado ser efectiva en el control de crisis de inicio focal en pacientes epilépticos con una baja frecuencia de eventos adversos. Se realizó un estudio clínico para evaluar la eficacia y tolerabilidad de la vinpocetina como tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes con este padecimiento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, doble ciego, de grupos paralelos. Se reclutaron 87 pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia focal tratados con uno a tres fármacos antiepilépticos. Los pacientes se aleatorizaron para ser tratados con vinpocetina (n = 41) o placebo (n = 46) de manera adyuvante a su tratamiento, e ingresaron a la fase basal (4 semanas), a la fase de titulación (4 semanas) y a la fase de evaluación (8 semanas) conservando estables las dosis de la vinpocetina y de los fármacos antiepilépticos. Resultados: La vinpocetina fue más efectiva que el placebo en la reducción de las crisis al finalizar la fase de evaluación (p < 0.0001). El 69% de los pacientes tratados con vinpocetina presentaron una reducción mayor al 50% en las crisis en comparación con el 13% de los pacientes tratados con placebo. No se presentaron diferencias significativas en cuanto a la presencia de efectos adversos en los pacientes tratados con vinpocetina comparados con los tratados con placebo. Los eventos adversos más frecuentes observados con vinpocetina fueron cefalea (7.9%) y diplopía (5.2%). Conclusiones: Como tratamiento adyuvante, la vinpocetina (2 mg/kg/día) redujo eficazmente la frecuencia de crisis epilépticas y demostró ser bien tolerada. Presenta un amplio perfil de seguridad y eventos adversos conocidos, que son transitorios y sin secuelas.

Abstract Background: Extended-release vinpocetine is effective to control focal onset epileptic seizures with a low rate of adverse events. A clinical study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of vinpocetine as an adjuvant treatment in patients with this condition. Methods: A double-blind clinical study of parallel groups was conducted, in which 87 patients with a diagnosis of focal epilepsy treated with one to three antiepileptic drugs were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive vinpocetine (n = 41) or placebo (n = 46) adjuvant to their treatment. Patients entered the baseline phase (4 weeks), the titration phase (4 weeks) and the evaluation phase (8 weeks), maintaining stable doses of vinpocetine and their respective antiepileptic drug treatment. Results: Vinpocetine was more effective than placebo in reducing seizures at the end of the evaluation phase (p < 0.0001). Sixty-nine percent of the vinpocetine-treated patients had a 50% reduction in seizures compared to 13% of placebo-treated patients. No significant differences in the presence of adverse effects in patients treated with vinpocetine compared to those treated with placebo were observed. The most frequent adverse events observed with vinpocetine were headache (7.9%) and diplopia (5.2%). Conclusions: As an adjuvant treatment, vinpocetine (2 mg/kg/day) effectively reduced the frequency of epileptic seizures and proved to be well tolerated. Vinpocetine has a wide safety profile and well-known adverse events, which are transient and with no sequelae.

Antiepileptic Drugs In Pediatric Indoor: Widely Prescribed; Wisely Consumed?

Seizure is a very common manifestation of a variety of disorders in pediatric age groups. The choice of antiepileptic drugs varies in different age groups in various doses, routes and frequencies. The perception of the care giver regarding proper use of medications is also equally important for success of pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to explore the prescribing pattern of seizure medications in pediatrics inpatients of a tertiary care hospital and assess the parent’s knowledge on drug intake simultaneously. Methods: A prospective observational study carried out with the prescription data of 107 children aged less than 18 years admitted in the pediatric department with the diagnosis of seizure and analyzed with descriptive statistics to obtain drug utilization indices. A questionnaire survey was employed on the parents of the children to assess their knowledge. Results: Neonatal presentation with seizure was more common than older pediatric age group. Commonest causes of convulsions were birth asphyxia with its sequel (84.78 %), CNS infection (39.34%) and epilepsy (32.79%). Monotherapy was highly prevalent (73.80%) with phenobarbitone and phenytoin being commonest drugs in neonatal and post-neonatal populations respectively. No newer generation antiepileptics were used. Generic prescribing was 28.03% with all the drugs being enlisted in essential medicine list. Average no. of anticonvulsants per prescription was 1.28. Parent’s knowledge about frequency of drug administration and food interaction was largely deficient. Conclusion: Monotherapy with older antiepileptics are preferred in pediatric indoor patients presenting with seizures. Parent education on appropriate use of medication is needed to rationalize the therapy.

Nuevos fármacos antiepilépticos / New antiepileptic drugs

Los fármacos antiepilépticos constituyen el tratamiento inicial en pacientes con epilepsia. Los antIepilépticos producidos después del año 2000 se conocen como fármacos de tercera generación. Estas drogas ofrecen nuevos mecanismos de acción y una farmacocinética más favorable, minimizando efectos adversos o interacciones medicamentosas. Las drogas de amplio espectro como brivaracetam y clobazam son una buena opción en casos de crisis generalizadas y poseen un grado de tolerabilidad muy aceptable. Los nuevos antiepilépticos bloqueadores de canales de sodio, como lacosamida y eslicarbazepina tienen un perfil de efectos adversos más favorable que los bloqueadores de sodio de primera o segunda generación. Estos nuevos medicamentos pueden utilizarse en pacientes con epilepsia de difícil control. Cannabidiol y fenfluramina son muy útiles en el tratamiento del síndrome de Dravet o Lennox Gastaut. La Alopregnenolona y ganaxolona demuestran buena eficacia en casos de estado epiléptico y podrían en el futuro cercano tener un papel importante en este escenario clínico.

Antiepileptic drugs are the first treatment option in patients with epilepsy. Drugs developed after 2000 are known as third generation antiepileptic drugs. These medications offer new mechanisms of action and favorable pharmacokinetics, decreasing the occurrence of side effects and drug-drug interactions. Broad spectrum antiepileptic drugs, such as brivaracetam and clobazam are good choices for generalized tonic colonic seizures and are well tolerated.New sodium channel blockers such as lacosamide and eslicarbazepine, have a more "benign" side effect profile than the first or second generation of sodium channel blockers. These new drugs are useful therapies in patients with epilepsy of difficult control. Cannabidiol and fenfluramine are useful in the treatment of Dravet or Lennox Gastaut syndrome. Allopregnenolona and ganaxolone showed good efficacy in status epilepticus and could play an important future role in this clinical scenario.

Study of clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of low cost branded generic antiepileptic drugs in children and adolescents

Background: Generic substitution is preferred to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient adherence. The review of literature showed that physicians all around the world were not comfortable in prescribing generic medications due to the lack of evidence on their safety and efficacy.Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a period of one year in Pune. The patients were categorized on their age and were assessed for the clinical effectiveness data (no. of breakthrough seizures and seizure free days) and safety data (no. of ADR episodes). The mean number of patients controlled and the frequency of adverse events at the 3rd and 6th month were calculated.Results: Authors assessed 150 newly diagnosed pediatric epileptic patients who received anti-epileptic drug monotherapy for at least 6 months, out of which 46 (30.66%) received Oxcarbazepine and 104 (69.33%) received Sodium Valproate. At the end of 3 months of therapy 140 (93.33%) patients were seizure free and 145 (96.66%) patients were seizure free at the end of 6 months. Adverse effects were observed in 14 (30.43) patients on oxcarbazepine and 26 (25%) patients on sodium valproate. The most common adverse effect was weight gain in 34 (22.66%) patients with both the AEDs.Conclusions: Seizure control was achieved in majority of the patients. In addition to the seizure control, the frequency of adverse effects was few and tolerable by the patients when prescribed with low cost branded generics.

Levetiracetam versus Phenobarbitone in Neonatal Seizures –A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous Levetiracetam andPhenobarbitone in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Design: Open labelled, Randomizedcontrolled trial. Setting: Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Participants: 100neonates (0-28 days) with clinical seizures. Intervention: If seizures persisted even aftercorrection of hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia, participants were randomized to receive eitherLevetiracetam (20 mg/kg) or Phenobarbitone (20 mg/kg) intravenously. The dose of samedrug was repeated if seizures persisted (20 mg/kg of Levetiracetam or 10 mg/kg ofPhenobarbitone) and changeover to other drug occurred if the seizures persisted even aftersecond dose of same drug. Main outcome measures: Cessation of seizures with one or twodoses of the first drug, and remaining seizure-free for the next 24 hours. Results: Seizuresstoped in 43 (86%) and 31 (62%) neonates in Levetiracetam and Phenobarbitone group,respectively (RR 0.37; 95%CI 0.17, 0.80, P<0.01). 10 neonates had adverse reactions in thephenobarbitone group (hypotension in 5, bradycardia in 3 and requirement of mechanicalventilation in 2 neonates) while none had any adverse reaction in Levetiracatam group.Conclusion: Levetiracetam achieves better control than Phenobarbitone for neonatalseizures when used as first-line antiepileptic drug, and is not associated with adverse drugreactions.

Adverse effects of topiramate in patients with epilepsy in a tertiary care hospital: observational study

Background: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by paroxysmal cerebral dysrhythmia. Conventional antiepileptic drugs such as Phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and sodium valproate, have been proven to have good therapeutic effects. There are currently more than 10 different adjuvants which are approved for use in epileptics. Topiramate, a second-generation antiepileptic drug, is being used for several types of partial-onset and generalized-onset seizures. Effective treatment of epilepsy depends on medication compliance. The incidence of adverse effects is an important issue when antiepileptic drugs are prescribed to treat epilepsy. This study was done in Department of Neurology to observe the adverse effects of Topiramate in patients with epilepsy in a Tertiary care hospital.Methods: For this study 100 patients receiving topiramate as an adjuvant drug along with regular anti epileptic drugs were enrolled in the study for prescheduled three months. Data of the patients were collected.Results: In this study we observed that paresthesia (31%) was the commonly noted adverse effect followed by cognitive impairment (24%), sleepiness (19%), nausea (13%), anorexia (9%) and weight loss (4%).Conclusions: Topiramate is a potent antiepileptic drug effective against most seizure types and has relatively favourable pharmacokinetic profile. It is appropriate for initial monotherapy as well as for adjuvant therapy in refractory patients. The major problem limiting its use is the frequent occurrence of cognitive adverse effects, especially expressive language dysfunction, which are reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.