[Remission of epilepsy after onset of antiepileptic treatment: a prospective study in childhood].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the probability of achieving control of seizures after initiating treatment in childhood epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

106 children aged under 14 years newly diagnosed of epilepsy were started on antiepileptic treatment and prospectively followed.

RESULTS

Antiepileptic drug levels were monitored and compliance was satisfactory. The Kaplan Meier estimate of the probability of achieving a 2 year initial remission was 55%, 71%, 77%, 86% and 96% at 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportionate hazards model showed that a symptomatic etiology, an abnormal EEG and recurrence of seizures during the first six months of treatment reduced the probability of achieving a 2 year initial remission, while the presence of generalized tonic clonic seizures or partial secondarily generalized seizures exclusively and a patient age of 3 10 years increased it. Stepwise selection of the variables showed that the best model for prediction of remission was that composed of age 3 10 years and recurrence during the first six months of treatment. Differences among epileptic syndromes couldn t be demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with epilepsy achieved a remission after initiating antiepileptic treatment. Those 3 10 years old or without recurrences during the first six months have a particularly favorable outcome.