Predictive Factors for Valproate Treatment in Childhood Absence Epilepsy.

Chi,  Geun Ha; Hwang,  Tae Gyu

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Child Neurology Society 2010;18(1):7-13.
Published online May 30, 2010.

Predictive Factors for Valproate Treatment in Childhood Absence Epilepsy.

Geun Ha Chi, Tae Gyu Hwang

Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea. htg6700@chollian.net

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the clinical and demographic factors associated with long-term remission of valproate(VPA) therapy in childhood absence epilepsy. METHODS: Fifty-six cases of childhood and juvenile absence epilepsy were identified by reviewing of Electroencephalographic records and medical charts. Thirty-six cases were initially treated with VPA. Factor associated with responsiveness were identified by uni- and mutivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patient achieved long-term remission(75%). Failure to achieve remission was more likely if the initial treatment of VPA had failed than if it was successful(53% versus 90.4%, P<0.02) was also associated with failure of long-term remission. Lamotrigine was more efficacious add-on drug than Ethosuximide(63.6% vs 25% P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Long-term seizure remission was related to the patient's initial response to VPA.

Key Words: Valproate, Epilepsy, Absence, Remission