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Epilepsy outcomes in elderly treated with topiramate
Author(s) -
Stefan H.,
Hubbertz L.,
Peglau I.,
Berrouschot J.,
Kasper B.,
Schreiner A.,
Krimmer J.,
Schauble B.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01018.x
Subject(s) - tolerability , topiramate , epilepsy , medicine , adverse effect , quality of life (healthcare) , dosing , anesthesia , anticonvulsant , pediatrics , psychiatry , nursing
Objectives – To explore effectiveness, tolerability and quality of life in elderly patients with epilepsy treated with topiramate. Methods – One year, open‐label, flexible‐dosing clinical trial. Results – One hundred and seven patients (mean age 69 years, 53% men) were studied during 273 ± 141 days. The average final dose in monotherapy was 98 mg/day vs 153 mg/day in adjunctive treatment. Mean monthly cumulative seizure frequency decreased from 3.7 ± 15 to 1.6 ± 7.7 ( n = 101, P < 0.0001), 78% of patients with seizures at baseline ( n = 102) achieved at least 50% reduction in seizure frequency, 44% were seizure‐free throughout the trial. Total scores on the quality of life in epilepsy inventory (QOLIE‐31) improved from 57 ± 17 to 68 ± 18 ( n = 64, P < 0.0001). The most frequently reported adverse events included convulsions, dizziness and tiredness. Conclusions – Elderly patients treated with topiramate showed marked reductions in seizures, good tolerability and significant improvements in several aspects of quality of life.