Double-blind study of gamma-vinyl GABA in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Abstract

Twenty-four patients with frequent drug-resistant seizures took part in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial of the GABA-transaminase inhibitor, gamma-vinyl GABA. It was added to their usual drug treatment in a dose of 3 g daily. The total number of seizures during the 9-week active treatment period was less than that in the placebo period (p less than 0.001, two-way analysis of variance). The greatest effect was on complex partial seizures. Mean weekly seizure frequency (complex partial and tonic-clonic) was 6.2 fits/week for the placebo period and 3.5 fits/week for the gamma-vinyl GABA period. Adverse effects, particularly drowsiness and mood changes, occurred more often during administration of active drug. Serum concentrations of phenytoin were lower during gamma-vinyl GABA treatment than during placebo (p less than 0.05), but the concentrations of other anticonvulsants given concomitantly did not change. These results suggest that gamma-vinyl GABA is an effective antiepileptic compound.

• Authors: E M Rimmer, A Richens
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 1 Issue 8370 Pg. 189-90 (Jan 28 1984) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 6141335 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aminocaproates
• 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase
• Vigabatrin

Topics

• 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aminocaproates (adverse effects, cerebrospinal fluid, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Random Allocation
• Vigabatrin