Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and security of lacosamide (LCS) in a sample of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). BACKGROUND: LGS is an epileptic encephalopathy that associates refractory epilepsy and progressive mental retardation. The treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for this disease is based on clinical experience, since data based on clinical trials are scarce. On the other hand, the role of LCS on this disease is not clear and a paradoxical aggravation of the number of seizures has been described. DESIGN/METHODS: This is a retrospective study and we reviewed the medical charts of all institutionalized LGS and refractory epileptic patients receiving oral LCS until October 2013. These patients were classified according the severity of their mental retardation: mild, moderate and severe. Efficacy was determined according the seizure frequency during the month prior to treatment initiation and the month after the maximal dosage. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (11 men and 7 women) aged 18-27 (mean 23.3±3.0) years were enrolled. The mean number of AEDs they were taking was 2.4±0.8 and the previous AEDs they had tried were 6.9±2.1. The mean follow-up was 6.6±2.1 months. Six (33%) patients had at least a 50% seizure reduction, while a small decrease was obtained in another seven (38%). It was discontinued in two (11%) patients because of inefficacy. Side effects were reported in three (17%) patients. These results were similar in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: LCS seems to be effective, safe and well tolerated in patients with LGS and refractory epilepsy according to our cohort and these results are independent of the degree of mental retardation of the patients. According to our results, this drug could be an important option for these patients. Study Supported by: Spanish Association for Neuroeconomics
Disclosure: Dr. Bermejo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cruz has nothing to disclose.
Tuesday, April 29 2014, 3:00 pm-6:30 pm
- Copyright © 2014 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.
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