Role of vigabatrin and lamotrigine in treatment of childhood epileptic syndromes.

PURPOSE

Vigabatrin (VGB) and lamotrigine (LTG) are two new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with different mechanisms of action for treatment of refractory epilepsies. Previous reports have indicated efficacy of both drugs in a number of epileptic syndromes.

METHODS

We compared these new AEDs drugs to determine their respective efficacy against different types of epileptic syndrome and to develop a rational approach to their use. We reviewed the charts of 105 children, with partial and generalized epilepsies.

RESULTS

VGB was to be significantly more effective in children with partial epilepsies, and LTG was more effective in those with generalized epilepsies.

CONCLUSIONS

VGB and LTG have different therapeutic profiles. Combination treatment with the two drugs may represent rational polytherapy for patients with epilepsy resistant to treatment with either drug alone or as add-on to other AED treatment.