Response to carbamazepine in children with newly diagnosed partial onset epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this work is to characterize the effectiveness and therapeutic doses of carbamazepine (CBZ) in children with localization-related epilepsy.

Methods: Treatment to initial CBZ monotherapy and doses associated with 1-year seizure freedom were examined in 100 consecutive children with partial epilepsy.

Results: Of the 100 patients studied, 55 became seizure-free on CBZ monotherapy, 10 did not tolerate CBZ within the first 3 months of therapy owing to either hypersensitivity or intolerable side effects, and 35 continued to have seizures. In children age <12, over 95% responded at doses below 17.5 mg/kg/day; in children age >12, over 95% responded at below 15 mg/kg/day.

Conclusions: We suggest that other antiepileptic treatments be considered when seizures continue in children taking carbamazepine doses between 15 and 17.5 mg/kg/day even if side effects are absent.