Topiramate in the treatment of severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of topiramate (TPM) as an add-on regimen in reducing seizure rate in a population sample of patients diagnosed with severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SME). Eighteen patients were evaluated. The mean observation time was 10.5 months (range, 6-18 months). Seizure frequency and type were recorded. Topiramate was administered as an add-on regimen at a starting dose of 1 mg kg(-1) and titrated to a maximum of 6-8 mg per kg per day. Different escalation rates were used, mainly weekly or fortnightly increments of dose. Three patients (16.6%) became seizure free, and 10 (55.6%) had a >50% reduction in seizure frequency: six of them (22.2%) achieved a reduction greater than 75%. Side-effects were observed in nine patients, eight with a weekly titration schedule and one with a fortnightly schedule. TPM is effective as adjunctive therapy for SME. Side-effects were mild and transient, generally related to rapid dosage titration. (C) 2000 BEA Trading Ltd.