J Korean Child Neurol Soc.  2012 Sep;20(3):164-169.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Rufinamide for Intractable Generalized Epilepsies

• Yoo IH
• Hong WG
• Kim JS
• Ryu HW
• Byun SH
• Kim H
• Lim BC
• Chae JH
• Choi J
• Kim KJ
• Hwang YS
• Hwang H

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rufinamide for intractable generalized epilepsies.
METHODS
Eighteen patients with intractable generalized epilepsies were included in the study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Rufinamide was administered as an add-on treatment for intractable epilepsies. The initial administered dose was 10 mg/kg/day, which was subsequently titrated up to 30-50 mg/kg/day. The effectiveness was assessed by comparing the frequency of seizures after the treatment. The difference in number of seizures during 4 weeks was compared before and after reaching the final dose.
RESULTS
The study population consisted of 13 males and 5 females (mean age 13.6+/-6.2 years, range 3.3-29.2 years). The responder rate (> or =50% in seizure frequency) was 39% and the seizure free rate was 11%. Retention rate was 44% and the reasons for withdrawal was adverse events (6/18 patients, 33%), aggravation of seizures (4/18 patients, 22%), and ineffectiveness (2/18 patients, 11%). Adverse events included hyperactivity, somnolence, ataxia and polyhidrosis. Adverse events and seizure aggravation occurred even at the starting dose of rufinamide treatment.
CONCLUSION
Rufinamide can be used as an efficacious and safe adjunctive anticonvulsant for patients with intractable generalized epilepsy.

Keyword

Rufinamide; Efficacy; Adverse event; Seizure; Generalized

MeSH Terms

Ataxia
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Generalized
Female
Humans
Male
Medical Records
Retention (Psychology)
Retrospective Studies
Seizures
Triazoles
Triazoles