The Efficacy and Tolerability of Rufinamide in Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rufinamide (RUF) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) and its efficacy has been proven in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). However, there is a lack of data regarding the efficacy in pediatric intractable epilepsies other than LGS. The purpose of the study was to explore the efficacy and tolerability of RUF in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsies as well as LGS. METHODS: This retrospective observation study was conducted in Samsung medical center from August 2010 to September 2011. Thirty seven patients (27 males, 10 females, aged between 1.8 and 18.4 years), with refractory epilepsies or LGS were treated with RUF as an adjunctive drug. Efficacy was represented by the response rate and retention rate over the study period. Tolerability was measured as the number of patients who showed adverse effects. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 21.6% during the 12 months of the study period with 5.4% of seizure-free patients. The retention rate was 54% and ineffectiveness was the most common reason for discontinuation of RUF. The most common adverse effects were insomnia and somnolence. CONCLUSIONS: RUF may be considered to be an efficacious and safe AED for pediatric patients with intractable epilepsies as well as LGS.