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Retinal Electrophysiological Results in Patients Receiving Lamotrigine Monotherapy
Author(s) -
Arndt Carl F.,
Husson Jeremie,
Derambure Philippe,
Hache Jean Claude,
Arnaud Bernard,
DefoortDhellemmes Sabine
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.43204.x
Subject(s) - lamotrigine , medicine , fundus (uterus) , abnormality , visual field , ophthalmology , blurred vision , visual acuity , electroretinography , electrophysiology , retinal , epilepsy , psychiatry
Summary: Purpose: To evaluate the effects on vision in patients receiving lamotrigine (LTG) monotherapy. Methods: Twenty‐four consecutive patients taking LTG for partial seizures were referred for a routine ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity testing, tonometry, slit lamp, and fundus examination. Automated kinetic perimetry, electrooculogram (EOG), and electroretinogram were performed after informed consent was obtained. Results: In 18 patients finally included, the clinical ophthalmologic examination showed no abnormality. Four patients complained of blurring; among them, one patient had a visual field constriction in both eyes, which, however, was of unclear clinical significance (poor compliance) and a reduced light/dark ratio of the electrooculogram. One other patient with blurred vision had a reduced EOG, but the visual field was normal. Two patients had a reduced EOG but no visual symptoms. Considering the whole group of patients receiving LTG therapy, the light/dark ratio of the EOG was reduced in a dose‐dependent fashion (p < 0.0001). The electroretinogram was normal in all patients. Conclusions: No irreversible visual field impairment in patients treated with LTG was encountered, although a dose‐dependent retinal toxicity may have been present. The exact cellular mechanism of the electrophysiologic changes in patients taking LTG remain to be explained.