J Korean Child Neurol Soc.  2010 May;18(1):7-13.

Predictive Factors for Valproate Treatment in Childhood Absence Epilepsy

• Chi GH
• Hwang TG

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the clinical and demographic factors associated with long-term remission of valproate(VPA) therapy in childhood absence epilepsy.
METHODS
Fifty-six cases of childhood and juvenile absence epilepsy were identified by reviewing of Electroencephalographic records and medical charts. Thirty-six cases were initially treated with VPA. Factor associated with responsiveness were identified by uni- and mutivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven patient achieved long-term remission(75%). Failure to achieve remission was more likely if the initial treatment of VPA had failed than if it was successful(53% versus 90.4%, P<0.02) was also associated with failure of long-term remission. Lamotrigine was more efficacious add-on drug than Ethosuximide(63.6% vs 25% P=0.04).
CONCLUSION
Long-term seizure remission was related to the patient's initial response to VPA.

Keyword

Valproate; Epilepsy; Absence; Remission

MeSH Terms

Demography
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Absence
Humans
Logistic Models
Seizures
Triazines
Valproic Acid
Triazines
Valproic Acid