Abstracts

Oxcarbazepine is one of the newer antiepileptic drugs that is structurally similar to carbamazepine, but is metabolized by a different pathway. It is approved for use in patients with partial onset seizures above age 4 years. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oxcarbazepine monotherapy in children with partial onset seizures. Retrospective review of charts at our institution from 2001-2004 identified 60 children with partial onset epilepsy on oxcarbazepine monotherapy. Seizure count and side effects were maintained during therapy. There were 60 patients (33M, 27F), ages 1.6 [ndash] 21.3 years (mean 9.7 years). Oxcarbazepine was started as first line monotherapy in 25 patients (41.6%). Range of oxcarbazepine dose was 6 [ndash] 55 mg/kg/day (mean 26.2 mg/kg/day). Average duration of therapy was 16.1 months (range 3-43 months). A total of 46 patients (76.6%) achieved [gt]50% reduction in their seizure frequency, including 25 patients (41.6%) who achieved seizure freedom. 11 patients (18.3%) developed side effects, including drowsiness (6), aggressive behavior (2), ataxia (1), dizziness (1), and leg cramps (1). No hyponatremia or skin rash was observed. A total of 24 patients were switched from carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine. In these patients carbamazepine was stopped due to side effects (10), poor seizure control (9), both (3), or for an unclear reason (2). 18 patients in this group (75%) had [gt]50% reduction in their seizure frequency, including 9 patients (37.5%) who became seizure free. Oxcarbazepine monotherapy proved to be effective, safe, and well tolerated in children with partial epilepsy. It may have potential advantages over carbamazepine in regards to efficacy and tolerability. (Dr Kothare has receieved an Investigator Initiated Grant from Novartis to support this study.)