S Wellmer1, J Wellmer, J Bauer. 1. Klinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105, Bonn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide (ZNS) used as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis in 74 patients (38 men, 36 women), age 17-61 years (mean 35 years). Duration of epilepsy was 2-50 years (mean 23.3 years). Additional antiepileptic drugs 2-5 (mean 2.7). RESULTS: The ZNS daily dosage varied between 100 mg and 500 mg (mean 368 mg). Seizure frequency could be estimated in 50 patients; it decreased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%), remained unchanged in 28 patients (56%), and increased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%). None of the patients achieved complete seizure control. Side effects were seen in 45/74 patients (60.8%). Adverse events resulting in discontinuation of treatment with ZNS were documented in 24 patients (32.4%). Out of 70 patients, 34 (48.5%) remained on ZNS 12 months after the onset of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ZNS proved to be an antiepileptic drug with a comparatively low anticonvulsant efficacy as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies.
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide (ZNS) used as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data analysis in 74 patients (38 men, 36 women), age 17-61 years (mean 35 years). Duration of epilepsy was 2-50 years (mean 23.3 years). Additional antiepileptic drugs 2-5 (mean 2.7). RESULTS: The ZNS daily dosage varied between 100 mg and 500 mg (mean 368 mg). Seizure frequency could be estimated in 50 patients; it decreased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%), remained unchanged in 28 patients (56%), and increased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%). None of the patients achieved complete seizure control. Side effects were seen in 45/74 patients (60.8%). Adverse events resulting in discontinuation of treatment with ZNS were documented in 24 patients (32.4%). Out of 70 patients, 34 (48.5%) remained on ZNS 12 months after the onset of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ZNS proved to be an antiepileptic drug with a comparatively low anticonvulsant efficacy as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies.
Authors: J Bauer; E Ben-Menachem; G Krämer; W Fryze; S Da Silva; D G A Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité Journal: Acta Neurol Scand Date: 2006-09 Impact factor: 3.209
Authors: H P R Bootsma; L Ricker; L Diepman; J Gehring; J Hulsman; D Lambrechts; L Leenen; M Majoie; A Schellekens; M de Krom; A P Aldenkamp Journal: Epilepsy Behav Date: 2007-02-20 Impact factor: 2.937