Ann Child Neurol.  2023 Jul;31(3):206-214. 10.26815/acn.2023.00073.

Real-Life Efficacy and Tolerability of Lacosamide in Pediatric Patients Aged 4 Years or Older with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

• Byun SY
• Kong J
• Lyu SY
• Nam SO
• Kim YM
• Yeon GM
• Lee YJ

• KMID: 2544227
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.26815/acn.2023.00073

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive lacosamide therapy in pediatric patients aged ≥4 years with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).
Methods
Medical records of children aged 4 to 19 years treated with lacosamide as adjunctive therapy for DRE were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age at the start of lacosamide treatment: group A (aged 4–15 years) and group B (aged 16–19 years). Changes in seizure frequency from baseline, adverse events, and the retention rate were evaluated at each follow-up visit.
Results
Sixty-two patients (33 males and 29 females) with a mean age of 11.4 years (range, 4 to 19) were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.1±12.9 months. The mean maintenance dose of lacosamide was 6.7±4.8 mg/kg/day. Forty-two patients (67.7%) were responders (≥50% reduction in seizures) with 19.4% (12/62) achieving freedom from seizures. The response rate did not differ significantly between groups A and B (67.6% vs. 68.0%, P=0.795) and was not affected by the concomitant use of sodium channel blockers. Significant independent factors associated with a good response to lacosamide treatment were a shorter duration of epilepsy (P=0.035) and fewer concomitant anti-seizure medications (P=0.002). Mild transient adverse events were observed in 20 patients (32.3%).
Conclusion
Lacosamide adjunctive therapy was efficacious and tolerated in children aged ≥4 years with DRE. Early use of lacosamide may be helpful for a good response to drug-resistant seizures.

Keyword

Lacosamide; Anticonvulsants; Child; Pediatrics; Epilepsy