Neuropediatrics 2011; 42(1): 28-29
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275346
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Epilepsy with Myoclonic Absences – Favourable Response to Add-on Rufinamide Treatment in 3 Cases

M. Häusler1 , [*] , G. Kluger2 , [*] , M. Nikanorova3 , [*]
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • 2Neuropediatric Clinic and Clinic for Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Klinic Vogtareuth, Germany
  • 3Danish Epilepsy Centre, Children Department, Dianalund, Denmark
Further Information

Publication History

received 30.11.2010

accepted 05.03.2011

Publication Date:
09 May 2011 (online)

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA) is a rare epileptic syndrome with frequently poor response to antiepileptic treatment. Rufinamide (RUF) is a relatively new EMEA- and FDA-approved anticonvulsant licensed as an orphan drug for the adjunctive treatment of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective data analysis in 3 patients was performed.

Results: Add-on RUF treatment was initiated in 3 boys with EMA refractory to conventional antiepileptic therapy (primidone + valproic acid, n=1; levetiracetame + ethosuximide, n=2). It resulted in complete cessation of all seizures in 2, and a 50% reduction of the seizure frequency in one child, respectively.

Conclusions: RUF add-on therapy should be considered in children with EMA not responding to conventional antiepileptic therapy.

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1 All authors have contributed equally.

Correspondence

Martin Häusler

Department of Pediatrics

University Hospital RWTH

Aachen

Pauwelsstraße 30

52074 Aachen

Germany

Phone: +49/241/800

Fax: +49/241/808 2484

Email: haeusler@rwth-aachen.de