Observational multicentre study into the use of antiepileptic drugs in Spanish neurology consultations. / Estudio observacional multicéntrico español sobre el empleo de fármacos antiepilépticos en consultas de neurología.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to quantify the types of antiepileptic drugs (AED) prescribed in neurology consultations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This descriptive, observational study included a sample of 559 patients older than 14 years, diagnosed with epilepsy, and receiving pharmacological treatment. Data were collected at outpatient consultations by 47 Spanish neurologists in May 2016. Epilepsy was defined based on the International League Against Epilepsy classification. According to the year of marketing, AEDs were categorised as classic (before 1990) or new (after 1990). We performed a descriptive analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables. RESULTS: Female patients accounted for 54.6% of the sample. Mean age was 42.7 years; mean age of onset was 22.4. Regarding epilepsy type, 75.7% of patients experienced partial seizures, 51.5% were symptomatic,32.4% had refractory epilepsy, 35.6% had been seizure-free for the previous year, and 59.2% had associated comorbidities.A total of 1103 AED prescriptions were made; 64.6% of prescriptions were for new AEDs; 85.4% of patients received new AEDs. Patients received a mean of 2 AEDs (range, 1-5). A total of 59.6% of patients received polytherapy.The most frequently prescribed AEDs were levetiracetam (42.6%), valproic acid (25.4%), lamotrigine (19.5%), carbamazepine (17.9%), and lacosamide (17.5%). No AED was employed exclusively as monotherapy. The most frequently prescribed AEDs for generalised and partial seizures were valproic acid (48.2%) and levetiracetam (43.2%), respectively. Valproic acid was less frequently prescribed to female patients. Patients with refractory epilepsy or with associated comorbidities were more frequently prescribed a combination of new and classic AEDs (48.7% and 45.6%, respectively) than only one type of AED. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients received new AEDs. The combination of classic and new AEDs was more frequently prescribed to patients with refractory epilepsy or with associated comorbidities.

The Spanish Neurological Society official clinical practice guidelines in epilepsy.

Previous Official Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) in Epilepsy were based on expert opinions and developed by the Epilepsy Study Group of the Spanish Neurological Society (GE-SEN). The current CPG in epilepsy is based on the scientific method, which extracts recommendations from published scientific evidence. A reduction in the variability in clinical practice through standardization of medical practice has become its main function. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES: This CPG is focused on comprehensive care for individuals affected by epilepsy as a primary and predominant symptom, regardless of the age of onset and medical policy. METHODOLOGY: 1. Creation of GE-SEN neurologists working group, in collaboration with Neuropediatricians, Neurophysiologists and Neuroradiologists. 2. Identification of clinical areas to be covered: diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. 3. Search and selection of the relevant scientific evidence. 4. Formulation of recommendations based on the classification of the available scientific evidence. RESULTS: It contains 161 recommendations of which 57% are consensus between authors and publishers, due to an important lack of awareness in many fields of this pathology. CONCLUSIONS: This Epilepsy CPG formulates recommendations based on explicit scientific evidence as a result of a formal and rigorous methodology, according to the current knowledge in the pre-selected areas. This paper includes the CPG chapter dedicated to emergency situations in seizures and epilepsy, which may present as a first seizure, an unfavorable outcome in a patient with known epilepsy, or status epilepticus as the most severe manifestation.

The Spanish Society of Neurology's official clinical practice guidelines for epilepsy. Special considerations in epilepsy: comorbidities, women of childbearing age, and elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of some population groups (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, the elderly) may limit epilepsy management. Antiepileptic treatment in these patients may require adjustments. DEVELOPMENT: We searched articles in Pubmed, clinical practice guidelines for epilepsy, and recommendations by the most relevant medical societies regarding epilepsy in special situations (patients with comorbidities, women of childbearing age, the elderly). Evidence and recommendations are classified according to the prognostic criteria of Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) for therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy treatment in special cases of comorbidities must be selected properly to improve efficacy with the fewest side effects. Adjusting antiepileptic medication and/or hormone therapy is necessary for proper seizure management in catamenial epilepsy. Exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AED) during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects and may affect fetal growth and/or cognitive development. Postpartum breastfeeding is recommended, with monitoring for adverse effects if sedative AEDs are used. Finally, the elderly are prone to epilepsy, and diagnostic and treatment characteristics in this group differ from those of other age groups. Although therapeutic limitations may be more frequent in older patients due to comorbidities, they usually respond better to lower doses of AEDs than do other age groups.

Prognosis in epilepsy: initiating long-term drug therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Prognosis in epilepsy refers to the probability of either achieving seizure remission (SR), whether spontaneously or using antiepileptic drugs (AED), or failing to achieve control of epileptic seizures (ES) despite appropriate treatment. Use of AED is recommended after a second unprovoked ES. For a first episode, the decision of whether or not to start drug treatment depends on the risk of recurrence and the advantages or disadvantages of the antiepileptic drug. The main goal of treatment is achieving absence of ES without adverse effects (AE). AED is selected according to epilepsy type and the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient. DEVELOPMENT: A PubMed search located articles and recommendations by the most relevant scientific societies and clinical practice guidelines concerning epilepsy prognosis and treatment. Evidence and recommendations are classified according to the prognostic criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) for therapeutic actions. CONCLUSIONS: Most newly diagnosed epileptic patients achieve good control over their ES. The majority of the AEDs available at present provide effective control over all types of ES, and choice therefore depends on the patient's individual characteristics. Treatment should be initiated as monotherapy at the lowest effective dose, which in half of all patients provides ES control and is well tolerated. In cases in which the first AED is not effective, alternative therapy should be started, and monotherapy should be employed before combination therapy where possible. The probability of achieving good control over ES decreases with each successive treatment failure.

Drug-resistant epilepsy: definition and treatment alternatives.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant epilepsy affects 25% of all epileptic patients, and quality of life decreases in these patients due to their seizures. Early detection is crucial in order to establish potential treatment alternatives and determine if the patient is a surgical candidate. DEVELOPMENT: PubMed search for articles, recommendations published by major medical societies, and clinical practice guidelines for drug-resistant epilepsy and its medical and surgical treatment options. Evidence and recommendations are classified according to the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2001) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (2004) for therapeutic actions. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying patients with drug-resistant epilepsy is important for optimising drug therapy. Experts recommend rational polytherapy with antiepileptic drugs to find more effective combinations with fewer adverse effects. When adequate seizure control is not achieved, a presurgical evaluation in an epilepsy referral centre is recommended. These evaluations explore how to resect the epileptogenic zone without causing functional deficits in cases in which this is feasible. If resective surgery is not achievable, palliative surgery or neurostimulation systems (including vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve, or deep brain stimulation) may be an option. Other treatment alternatives such as ketogenic diet may also be considered in selected patients.

Guía de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia sobre profilaxis y tratamiento de las crisis epilépticas sintomáticas agudas / Clinical practice guidelines of the Andalusian epilepsy society on prophylaxis and treatment of acute symptomatic epileptic seizures

Introducción y objetivo. Los fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE) se han utilizado tradicionalmente de forma empírica para prevenir la presentación de crisis epilépticas en pacientes con afecciones cerebrales agudas durante la fase precoz o tardía. Sin embargo, los FAE no están exentos de serios inconvenientes, por lo que su empleo debería sustentarse en bases racionales y científicas. Nos proponemos la realización de una guía de práctica basada en evidencias explícitas acerca de cuándo está indicado el tratamiento profiláctico con FAE y su duración en las crisis sintomáticas agudas (CSA). Desarrollo. Realizamos una búsqueda selectiva de la información científica de calidad relacionada con el tema propuesto en PubMed-Medline, Tripdatabase y Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. Los autores analizaron y discutieron las referencias seleccionadas y se extrajeron las recomendaciones de ellas derivadas. Se identificaron 14 documentos primarios y ocho guías de práctica, protocolos o recomendaciones de expertos. Nuestras recomendaciones se recogieron al final del documento de manera explícita. Conclusiones. La Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia recomienda: a) emplear FAE sólo para la prevención primaria de CSA en los traumatismos craneoencefálicos graves y como prevención secundaria de nuevas CSA por otras causas de afectación cerebral aguda; b) la duración del tratamiento de las CSA no deberá superar el tiempo de resolución de la causa que las ha provocado; y c) las benzodiacepinas son los fármacos de elección para en el tratamiento de las CSA por abstinencia de alcohol y el sulfatode magnesio para las CSA de la eclampsia (AU)

Introduction and aims. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) have traditionally been used empirically to prevent the presentation of epileptic seizures in patients with acute brain disorders during the early or late phase. However, AED are not free of serious drawbacks, which means that their use should be based on solid scientific foundations. Our aim is to produce a set of practice guidelines based on explicit evidence about when prophylactic treatment with AED is indicated and the length of time it should be continued in acute symptomatic seizures (ASS). Development. A selective search for quality scientific information on the subject was conducted on PubMed-Medline, Tripdatabase and the Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. The authors discussed and analysed the references that were selected and any recommendations that could be drawn from them were collected. A total of 14 primary documents and eight practice guidelines, protocols or experts’ recommendations were identified. Our recommendations were explicitly included at the end of the document. Conclusions. The Andalusian Epilepsy Society makes the following recommendations: a) AED must only be used for the primary prevention of ASS in severe traumatic brain injury and as secondary prevention of new ASS due to other causes of acute brain damage; b) duration of treatment of ASS must not exceed the time needed to resolve the cause that gave rise to them; and c) benzodiazepines are the preferred drugs for use in the treatment of ASS due to alcohol withdrawal and magnesium sulphate for the ASS of eclampsia (AU)

[Clinical practice guidelines of the Andalusian Epilepsy Society on prophylaxis and treatment of acute symptomatic epileptic seizures]. / Guía de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia sobre profilaxis y tratamiento de las crisis epilépticas sintomáticas agudas.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Antiepileptic drugs (AED) have traditionally been used empirically to prevent the presentation of epileptic seizures in patients with acute brain disorders during the early or late phase. However, AED are not free of serious drawbacks, which means that their use should be based on solid scientific foundations. Our aim is to produce a set of practice guidelines based on explicit evidence about when prophylactic treatment with AED is indicated and the length of time it should be continued in acute symptomatic seizures (ASS). DEVELOPMENT: A selective search for quality scientific information on the subject was conducted on PubMed-Medline, Tripdatabase and the Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. The authors discussed and analysed the references that were selected and any recommendations that could be drawn from them were collected. A total of 14 primary documents and eight practice guidelines, protocols or experts' recommendations were identified. Our recommendations were explicitly included at the end of the document. CONCLUSIONS: The Andalusian Epilepsy Society makes the following recommendations: a) AED must only be used for the primary prevention of ASS in severe traumatic brain injury and as secondary prevention of new ASS due to other causes of acute brain damage; b) duration of treatment of ASS must not exceed the time needed to resolve the cause that gave rise to them; and c) benzodiazepines are the preferred drugs for use in the treatment of ASS due to alcohol withdrawal and magnesium sulphate for the ASS of eclampsia.

Guía de práctica clínica de consenso de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia sobre prescripción de fármacos antiepilépticos genéricos / Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the andalusian epilepsy society on prescibing generic antiepileptic drugs

Resumen. Introducción. El consumo farmacéutico en España supone el 1,2-1,4% del producto interior bruto y aumenta anualmente un 5-12%. Entre las medidas estatales adoptadas para moderar este gasto está la posibilidad de sustituir el fármaco original prescrito por su genérico. En el caso de los fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE), caracterizados por un escaso margen terapéutico, dicha medida ha generado un debate científico acerca de su repercusión sobre el control del enfermo epiléptico. Nos proponemos la elaboración de una guía de práctica de consenso basada en evidencias implícitas acerca de cuestiones relacionadas con este tema. Desarrollo. Realizamos una búsqueda selectiva de la información científica de calidad vinculada con el objetivo propuesto en Pubmed-Medline, Tripdatabase y Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. Las referencias seleccionadas fueron analizadas y discutidas por los autores y se extrajeron las recomendaciones de ellas derivadas. Se identificaron 21 documentos primarios y 16 guías de práctica, protocolos o recomendaciones de expertos. Nuestras recomendaciones se recogieron al final del documento de manera explícita. Conclusiones. La Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia recomienda: 1) no sustituir un FAE innovador por su genérico en un epiléptico controlado; 2) es admisible iniciar un tratamiento con un FAE genérico en monoterapia o en asociación; 3) no intercambiar FAE genéricos de distintas empresas farmacéuticas; 4) explicar al paciente las normas de autorización de los genéricos y la importancia de evitar intercambios entre diferentes FAE genéricos; y 5) en caso de empeoramiento clínico o efectos adversos tras la introducción de un genérico, investigar las razones y comunicarlos a los órganos de farmacovigilancia (AU)

Summary. Introduction. Pharmaceutical spending in Spain accounts for 1.2-1.4% of the gross domestic product and is increasing by 5-12% per year. One of the measures adopted by the government to cut this spending is the possible substitution of original prescribed drugs by generics. In the case of antiepileptic drugs (AED), which are characterised by a scant therapeutic margin, these steps have sparked a scientific debate about their repercussion on the control of epileptic patients. We propose to draw up a set of implicit evidence-based consensus practice guidelines concerning issues related with this topic. Development. A selective search for quality scientific information on the subject was conducted on PubMed-Medline, Tripdatabase and the Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the recommendations deriving from them were collected. A total of 21 primary documents and 16 practice guidelines, protocols or experts’ recommendations were identified. Our recommendations were explicitly included at the end of the text. Conclusions. The Andalusian Epilepsy Society makes the following recommendations: 1) not replacing an innovative AED by its generic in a controlled patient; 2) beginning treatment with a generic AED in monotherapy or in association is acceptable; 3) not exchanging generic AED from different pharmaceutical companies; 4) explaining to the patient the rules governing the authorisation of generics and the importance of avoiding exchanges between different generic AED; and 5) if there is some worsening of the clinical condition or side effects appear following the introduction of a generic, the causes must be investigated and communicated to the bodies responsible for pharmacovigilance (AU)

[Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the Andalusian Epilepsy Society on prescribing generic antiepileptic drugs]. / Guía de práctica clínica de consenso de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia sobre prescripción de fármacos antiepilépticos genéricos.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmaceutical spending in Spain accounts for 1.2-1.4% of the gross domestic product and is increasing by 5-12% per year. One of the measures adopted by the government to cut this spending is the possible substitution of original prescribed drugs by generics. In the case of antiepileptic drugs (AED), which are characterised by a scant therapeutic margin, these steps have sparked a scientific debate about their repercussion on the control of epileptic patients. We propose to draw up a set of implicit evidence-based consensus practice guidelines concerning issues related with this topic. DEVELOPMENT: A selective search for quality scientific information on the subject was conducted on PubMed-Medline, Tripdatabase and the Biblioteca Cochrane Plus. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the recommendations deriving from them were collected. A total of 21 primary documents and 16 practice guidelines, protocols or experts' recommendations were identified. Our recommendations were explicitly included at the end of the text. CONCLUSIONS: The Andalusian Epilepsy Society makes the following recommendations: 1) not replacing an innovative AED by its generic in a controlled patient; 2) beginning treatment with a generic AED in monotherapy or in association is acceptable; 3) not exchanging generic AED from different pharmaceutical companies; 4) explaining to the patient the rules governing the authorization of generics and the importance of avoiding exchanges between different generic AED; and 5) if there is some worsening of the clinical condition or side effects appear following the introduction of a generic, the causes must be investigated and communicated to the bodies responsible for pharmacovigilance.

Guía de práctica clínica de consenso de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia: recomendaciones terapéuticas ante una crisis epiléptica y en el estado epiléptico / Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the andalusian epilepsy society: Therapeutic recommendations when dealing with a first epileptic seizure and in epileptic status

Introducción. La gran mayoría de crisis epilépticas son breves y autolimitadas, pero, en ocasiones, su duración puede ser mayor de la esperada, lo que, en el caso de las crisis convulsivas generalizadas, comporta un alto riesgo de morbimortalidad, que aumenta con su duración. Esta gravedad justifica la realización de una guía de práctica clínica de consenso, basada en evidencias implícitas sobre aspectos relacionados con el manejo terapéutico recomendado a un paciente con una crisis prolongada asistido en los servicios de urgencias. Materiales y métodos. Se ha realizado una búsqueda selectiva de la información científica relacionada con el tema propuesto en Pubmed-Medline, utilizando filtros de evidencia científica. Dicha búsqueda se completó en otros buscadores de evidencia científica, como Tripdatabase, Biblioteca Cochrane Plus o DARE. Las referencias seleccionadas se analizaron y discutieron por los autores y se extrajeron las evidencias disponibles y las recomendaciones de ellas derivadas. Resultados. Se identificaron 33 documentos primarios y seis guías de práctica o protocolos relacionados con el tema propuesto. Las recomendaciones se insertaron en el texto de manera explícita. Conclusiones. El protocolo terapéutico debe iniciarse ante cualquier crisis convulsiva con una duración superior a cinco minutos, asegurando, en primer lugar, la correcta función respiratoria y cardiocirculatoria, y administrando fármacos antiepilépticos por vía intravenosa de acción rápida y con dosis altas, mantenidos hasta que se identifica y controla la causa. Las crisis no convulsivas prolongadas, por su menor morbimortalidad, no precisan generalmente de una terapia tan enérgica y con riesgo de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction. Most epileptic seizures are brief and self-limiting, but sometimes they can last longer than expected and this entails (in the case of generalised seizures) a high risk of morbidity and mortality, which increases as they get longer. This severity justifies the need to draw up a set of consensus-based practice guidelines based on implicit evidence, to use Liberati’s nomenclature, concerning aspects related to the recommended therapeutic management of a patient with prolonged seizures who is being attended in an emergency department. Materials and methods. A selective search was conducted on PubMed-Medline for scientific information related to the subject using scientific evidence filters. This search was completed in other scientific evidence search engines, such as Tripdatabase, Biblioteca Cochrane Plus or DARE. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the available evidence and any recommendations that could be drawn from it were collected. Results. The search revealed the existence of 33 primary documents and six practice guidelines or protocols related with the topic under study. The recommendations were inserted in the text explicitly. Conclusions. The therapeutic protocol must be started when faced with any seizures that last more than five minutes. First, steps must be taken to ensure proper respiratory and cardiocirculatory functioning, and then fast-acting antiepileptic drugs are administered intravenously and in high doses until the cause is identified and controlled. Due to their lower level of morbidity and mortality, prolonged non-convulsive seizures do not generally require therapy that is so vigorous and with such a high risk of complications (AU)

[Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the Andalusian Epilepsy Society: therapeutic recommendations when dealing with a first epileptic seizure and in epileptic status]. / Guia de practica clinica de consenso de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia: recomendaciones terapeuticas ante una crisis epileptica y en el estado epileptico.

INTRODUCTION: Most epileptic seizures are brief and self-limiting, but sometimes they can last longer than expected and this entails (in the case of generalised seizures) a high risk of morbidity and mortality, which increases as they get longer. This severity justifies the need to draw up a set of consensus-based practice guidelines based on implicit evidence, to use Liberati's nomenclature, concerning aspects related to the recommended therapeutic management of a patient with prolonged seizures who is being attended in an emergency department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective search was conducted on PubMed-Medline for scientific information related to the subject using scientific evidence filters. This search was completed in other scientific evidence search engines, such as Tripdatabase, Biblioteca Cochrane Plus or DARE. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the available evidence and any recommendations that could be drawn from it were collected. RESULTS: The search revealed the existence of 33 primary documents and six practice guidelines or protocols related with the topic under study. The recommendations were inserted in the text explicitly. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic protocol must be started when faced with any seizures that last more than five minutes. First, steps must be taken to ensure proper respiratory and cardiocirculatory functioning, and then fast-acting antiepileptic drugs are administered intravenously and in high doses until the cause is identified and controlled. Due to their lower level of morbidity and mortality, prolonged non-convulsive seizures do not generally require therapy that is so vigorous and with such a high risk of complications.

[Consensus clinical practice guidelines of the Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with their first epileptic seizure in emergencies]. / Guía de práctica clínica de consenso de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del paciente con una primera crisis epiléptica en situaciones de urgencia.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Epileptic seizures are the cause of between 0.3 and 1.2% of all visits to hospital emergency departments. Twenty-five per cent of patients visit after having their first seizure. Such an impact seems to justify the development of a health care protocol. Our proposal is to draw up a set of implicit evidence-based consensus practice guidelines, to use Liberati's nomenclature, concerning aspects related to the diagnostic procedure and recommended therapeutic management of patients with a first seizure who are being attended in an emergency department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective search was conducted on PubMed-Medline for quality scientific information on the subject using scientific evidence filters. This search was completed in other scientific evidence search engines, such as Tripdatabase, Biblioteca Cochrane Plus or DARE. The selected references were analysed and discussed by the authors, and the available evidence and any recommendations that could be drawn from it were collected. RESULTS: A total of 47 primary documents and 10 practice guidelines or protocols related with the proposed topic were identified. The recommendations were inserted in the text explicitly. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for all paroxysmal phenomena in emergencies consists of three successive phases: diagnosis of the cause of the epilepsy, integration of the significance of the seizure within the clinical context, and designing the therapeutic scheme. Each phase will depend on the outcomes of the previous one as a decision algorithm. The fundamental tools in each phase are: patient record and examination (phase 1), and complementary tests (phase 2). They are then used to produce a therapeutic decision scheme.

[The Andalusia Epilepsy Society's Guide to Epilepsy Therapy 2005: IV. General principles of antiepileptic polytherapy and therapeutic strategies in refractory epilepsy]. / Guía terapéutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: IV. Principios generales de politerapia antiepiléptica y estrategias terapéuticas en epilepsia refractaria.

AIMS: The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. DEVELOPMENT: A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology's Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies' criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care.

[The Andalusia Epilepsy Society's Guide to Epilepsy Therapy 2005: III. Antiepileptic therapy in special situations]. / Guia terapeutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: III. Tratamiento antiepileptico en situaciones especiales.

AIMS: The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. DEVELOPMENT: A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology's Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies' criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care.

[The Andalusia Epilepsy Society's Guide to Epilepsy Therapy 2005: II. Chronic therapy with antiepileptic drugs in adults and in children]. / Guia terapéutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: II. Terapéutica antiepiléptica crónica en el adulto y en el nino.

AIMS: The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. DEVELOPMENT: A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology's Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies' criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care.

Guía terapéutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: IV. Principios generales de politerapia antiepiléptica y estrategias terapéuticas en epilepsia refractaria / The andalusia epilepsy society´s guide to epilesy therapy 2005: IV general principles of antiepileptic polytherapy and therapeutic strategies in refractory epilepsy

Aims. The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. Development. A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology’s Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. Conclusions. The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care (AU)

Objetivo. Elaborar una guía de práctica clínica basada en la evidencia científica que aborde las cuestiones básicas acerca del tratamiento de la epilepsia. Desarrollo. Un comité de 11 expertos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia, en el que se incluían seis neurólogos, tres neuropediatras, un neurocirujano y una farmacóloga, todos con especial dedicación y competencia en epilepsia, realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva en busca de las evidencias disponibles relacionadas con el tema propuesto. Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library y bases de datos de guías de práctica clínica (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence y Guías Clínicas de la Academia Americana de Neurología). La guía se estructuró en siete secciones y se dividió para su publicación en cuatro partes. Se identificaron 187 documentos relevantes, de los que se extrajeron un total de 63 evidencias científicas y 91 recomendaciones terapéuticas, que se tabularon y clasificaron según los criterios de elaboración de Guías de Práctica Clínica de la Federación Europea de Sociedades Neurológicas. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta revisión proveen unas guías de práctica clínica basadas en la evidencia científica útiles, sencillas y aplicables en los diferentes niveles asistenciales (AU)

Guía terapéutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: I. Criterios de inicio y cese y bases farmacológicas del tratamiento antiepiléptico / The Andalusia epilepsy society’s guide to epilepsy therapy 2005: I. criteria for starting and discontinuing and the pharmacological bases of antiepileptic treatment

Objetivo. Elaborar una guía de práctica clínica basada en la evidencia científica que aborde las cuestiones básicas acerca del tratamiento de la epilepsia. Desarrollo. Un comité de 11 expertos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia, en el que se incluían seis neurólogos, tres neuropediatras, un neurocirujano y una farmacóloga, todos con especial dedicación y competencia en epilepsia, realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva en busca de las evidencias disponibles relacionadas con el tema propuesto. Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library y bases de datos de guías de práctica clínica (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence y Guías Clínicas de la Academia Americana de Neurología). La guía se estructuró en siete secciones y se dividió para su publicación en cuatro partes. Se identificaron 187 documentos relevantes de los que se extrajeron un total de 63 evidencias científicas y 91 recomendaciones terapéuticas, que se tabularon y clasificaron según los criterios de elaboración de Guías de Práctica Clínica de la Federación Europea de Sociedades Neurológicas. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta revisión proveen unas guías de práctica clínica basadas en la evidencia científica útiles, sencillas y aplicables en los diferentes niveles asistenciales

Aims. The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. Development. A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology’s Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. Conclusions. The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health careAims. The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. Development. A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology’s Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. Conclusions. The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care

Guía terapéutica en epilepsia de la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia 2005: II. Terapéutica antiepiléptica crónica en el adulto y en el niño / The Andalusia epilepsy society’s guide to epilepsy therapy 2005: II. chronic therapy with antiepileptic drugs in adults and in children

Objetivo. Elaborar una guía de práctica clínica basada en la evidencia científica que aborde las cuestiones básicas acerca del tratamiento de la epilepsia. Desarrollo. Un comité de 11 expertos pertenecientes a la Sociedad Andaluza de Epilepsia, en el que se incluían seis neurólogos, tres neuropediatras, un neurocirujano y una farmacóloga, todos con especial dedicación y competencia en epilepsia, realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva en busca de las evidencias disponibles relacionadas con el tema propuesto. Se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, Cochrane-Library y bases de datos de guías de práctica clínica (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence y Guías Clínicas de la Academia Americana de Neurología). La guía se estructuró en siete secciones y se dividió para su publicación en cuatro partes. Se identificaron 187 documentos relevantes, de los que se extrajeron un total de 63 evidencias científicas y 91 recomendaciones terapéuticas, que se tabularon clasificándolas según los criterios de elaboración de Guías de Práctica Clínica de la Federación Europea de Sociedades Neurológicas. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta revisión proveen unas guías de práctica clínica basadas en la evidencia científica útiles, sencillas y aplicables en los diferentes niveles asistenciales

Aims. The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. Development. A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology’s Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. Conclusions. The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health careAims. The objective of this work was to produce a scientific evidence-based guide to clinical practice dealing with the basic questions concerning the treatment of epilepsy. Development. A committee of 11 experts belonging to the Andalusia Epilepsy Society, made up of six neurologists, three neuropaediatricians, one neurosurgeon and a pharmacologist, all of whom were deeply involved and experienced in epilepsy, conducted a thorough review of the literature in search of all the evidence available on the proposed subject matter. The following databases were used: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and the databases of several clinical practice guidelines (National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Neurology’s Clinical Guidelines). The Guide was set out in seven sections and was published in four parts. From a total number of 187 relevant documents, the committee found 63 examples of scientific evidence and 91 therapeutic recommendations. These were tabulated and classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ criteria for producing Clinical Practice Guidelines. Conclusions. The results of this survey provide scientific evidence-based clinical guidelines that are useful, simple and applicable at different levels of health care

[Antiepileptic drugs: mechanism of action]. / Fármacos antiepilépticos. Mecanismo de acción.

Great progress has been made in the development of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) from their early empirical stage until the current scientifically-founded advancement based on our greater understanding of the genesis of epilepsy. Available AEDs decrease neuronal membrane excitability, acting on ion channels or synaptic receptors. The classic AEDs act on sodium channels (phenytoin and carbamazepine); increase GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibition (benzodiazepines and barbiturates); and on T-type Ca2+ channels (sodium valproate and ethosuximide). Many patients are resistant to these AEDs. The introduction of new drugs whose mechanisms of action are not well established has improved therapeutic prospects. Four promising new AEDs are now available in many countries. Vigabatrin is an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase. Lamotrigine blocks Na+ channels, thereby inhibiting the presynaptic release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Gabapentin increases GABAergic inhibition and Felbamate acts on the NMDA receptor and Na+ channels. New techniques in molecular biology are likely to facilitate the design of better AEDs.