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Retrospective study of topiramate in a paediatric population with intractable epilepsy showing promising effects in the West syndrome patients.

Topiramate (TPM) is a new anti-epileptic drug with proven efficacy against partial seizures in adults. Its use in children is less well documented. In a retrospective study, 41 patients with intractable childhood epilepsy were treated with TPM as add-on therapy for an average period of 15 months. They were classified according to seizure type and etiology. The dose was titrated for effect and ranged between 2 and 24 mg/kg/d. Of the 41 patients being treated, six became seizure free, ten had a seizure reduction of more than 75% and eight a seizure reduction of between 50 and 75%. The most remarkable effect was seen in seven patients with West syndrome. Of these, four patients became seizure free and one had more than 75% seizure reduction. Adverse effects including sedation, fatigue, difficulties with verbal expression and anorexia were noted in 15 patients. None of these effects were important enough to interrupt treatment. We conclude that TPM as adjunctive therapy is a promising drug in children with intractable epilepsy, especially in the patients with West syndrome.