Abstract |
Knowledge on the effects of gabapentin (GBP) in learning disabled patients is limited. The objective of this study was to assess antiepileptic efficacy and tolerability of GBP in routine therapy. A retrospective open observational study design was applied. Twenty-nine consecutive residential patients with simple and/or complex partial seizures with or without secondary generalization and with different degrees of learning disability were included. All patients had severe therapy-resistant epilepsy. GBP was administered as add-on therapy. Dosages were progressively increased up to 1600-2400 mg/day (in a number of cases up to 4800 mg/day), in accordance with clinical requirements. The seizure frequency was recorded and compared between a baseline and a treatment period (after 3 months of titration) of 3 months duration each. Only three patients (10.3%) had a reduction of their seizure frequency by 50% or more. No patient became seizure-free. Unwanted side effects, mostly mild and dose-dependent, occurred in 37.9% of all patients. Somnolence and ataxia were the most frequently observed unwanted effects. In two cases hyperphagia/weight increase, and in two other cases edema occurred.We conclude the efficacy of GBP in learning disabled patients with highly therapy-resistant partial seizures is limited.
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Authors | Bernd Huber, Maria Tomka-Hoffmeister |
Journal | Seizure
(Seizure)
Vol. 12
Issue 8
Pg. 602-3
(Dec 2003)
ISSN: 1059-1311 [Print] England |
PMID | 14630502
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Acetates
- Amines
- Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
- Gabapentin
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Topics |
- Acetates
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Amines
- Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
- Epilepsy
(complications, drug therapy)
- Gabapentin
- Humans
- Learning Disabilities
(complications, drug therapy)
- Long-Term Care
(methods, statistics & numerical data)
- Residential Facilities
(methods, statistics & numerical data)
- Retrospective Studies
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
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