The Incidence of Adverse Effects on Antiepileptic Medication in Children Diagnosed With Epilepsy
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The treatment of epilepsy is complex and its purpose being to achieve the best possible control of seizures with minimal side effects. The presence of side effects of antiepileptic drugs is one of the major problems of antiepileptic therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of side effects of antiepileptic drugs in children diagnosed with different types of epilepsy. Material and methods: The authors followed 247 patients aged between 0 and 17 years old, diagnosed with epilepsy between 01.01.2010 - 01.12.2018. The study analyzed retrospectively the evolution of the seizures under treatment and the presence of the side effects of antiepileptic drugs. The Composite Index of Impairments was used in order to properly evaluate the problems caused by the medicine used. Results: From the study group 47.77% of the patients reported side effects, more commonly in children receiving polytherapy (88.46%). In 96.61% of children, the severity of the side effects was low/medium and 4 patients (3.39%), adverse reactions were severe, the score at Composite Index of Impairments being ≥50. The most frequent adverse reactions were represented by behavioral changes, sleepiness, gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusions: Patients who received antiepileptic therapy in polytherapy had more frequent side effects than those who undergone monotherapy. The presence of adverse events has an undeniable negative effect on the quality of life of children diagnosed with epilepsy.
Source: The Medical-Surgical Journal
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2977814297