Vigabatrin in the treatment of infantile spasms in tuberous sclerosis: literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to review the efficacy and safety of vigabatrin in the treatment of infantile spasms in infants suffering from tuberous sclerosis complex. We reviewed all studies published in the English-language literature investigating the use of vigabatrin in the treatment of infantile spasms. Ten studies gave results for the efficacy of vigabatrin in infantile spasms for infants both with and without underlying diagnoses of tuberous sclerosis. Of the 313 patients without tuberous sclerosis complex, 170 (54%) had complete cessation of their infantile spasms; of the 77 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, 73 (95%) had complete cessation of their seizures. We conclude that vigabatrin should be considered as first-line monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants with either a confirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis or those at high risk, ie, those with a first-degree relative with tuberous sclerosis complex. Paradoxically, in those without tuberous sclerosis complex, vigabatrin might be less efficacious than suggested by studies including patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.