Dixit S N, Jain S, Padma M V, Maheshwari M C
Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Acta Neurol Scand. 1996 Feb-Mar;93(2-3):85-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1996.tb00179.x.
Gabapentin (GBP) has been shown to be effective an add-on drug for the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy. We undertook an open clinical trial to test its efficacy for the first time in India. Twenty-six patients with refractory partial seizures (> 4 per month) were given GBP in a titrated dose and the seizure frequency was noted for 3 months. The mean reduction in seizures was significant: 15.87 (SD = 4.5) vs 5.80 (SD = 10.25). The mean percentage change (PCH) from the baseline was -36. Twenty-one of 26 (80%) patients had a reduction in the number of seizures, and 13/26 (50%) were identified as responders (> 50% reduction in seizures). The responders were significantly younger than the nonresponders. Adverse events were mild and noted in 46% patients. Although the trial has its limitations, this is probably the first trial of GBP in a developing country.
