Sodium channel blockers are effective for benign infantile epilepsy. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Numoto, Shingo; Kurahashi, Hirokazu; Takagi, Mizuki; Azuma, Yoshiteru; Iwayama, Hideyuki; Okumura, Akihisa
• Is Part Of: Seizure. Volume 92(2021)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Antiseizure medications -- Benign infantile epilepsy -- Sodium channel blocker -- Lacosamide -- Levetiracetam; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Seizures -- Periodicals; Épilepsie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 616.853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.09.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-1311

Abstract

Highlights: We examined the efficacy of antiseizure medications, including lacosamide and levetiracetam, in children with benign infantile epilepsy. Low-dose lacosamide had excellent efficacy, resulting in freedom from seizures, and was well tolerated. The patients treated with levetiracetam had recurrent seizures. Abstract: Objective: To examine the efficacy and tolerance of the antiseizure medications lacosamide (LCM) and levetiracetam (LEV) in patients with benign infantile epilepsy (BIE). Methods: The clinical data of 24 children with BIE seen between 2014 and 2020 were collected retrospectively, and treatment, effectiveness, and adverse effects were examined. PRRT2 gene analysis was performed using Sanger sequencing. Results: Of the 24 children with BIE, 14 were treated with antiseizure medications. PRRT2 gene analysis was performed in 14 children, and mutations were identified in 4, including a pair of siblings. All five children treated with LCM became seizure-free, similar to those treated with carbamazepine. The LCM does was 2 mg/kg/day in all cases. There were no adverse effects in any patient treated with LCM. By contrast, both patients treated with LEV had seizure recurrence. In one patient, LEV was replaced with CBZ, resulting in seizure freedom. Conclusions: Low-dose LCM was effective and well tolerated in patients with BIE, whereas LEV was insufficiently effective.