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Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy 2020; 09(04): 177-185
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716865
Review Article

Pharmacological Considerations When Transitioning the Care of Epilepsy Patients from Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Centers

Natalie Guido-Estrada
1   Division of Child Neurology, University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, United States
,
Shifteh Sattar
1   Division of Child Neurology, University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, United States
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Abstract

There is scarce evidence in review of the available literature to support a clear and superior model for the transition of care for epilepsy patients from pediatric to adult centers. Anecdotally, there is a common perception that families are reluctant to make this change and that the successful transition of care for epilepsy can be a challenge for patients, families, and physicians. As part of the effort to prepare the patient and family for the adult model of care, several treatment issues should be addressed. In this article, we discuss the specific challenges for physicians in transition of care for epilepsy patients from a pharmacological standpoint, which include differences in metabolism and pharmacodynamics that can impact tolerability or efficacy of antiepileptic medications, lifestyle changes affecting medication compliance and seizure control, acquired adult health conditions necessitating new medications that may result in adverse drug interactions, and adult neurologists' potential lack of familiarity with certain medications typically used in the pediatric epilepsy population. We offer this as a guide to avoid one of the many possible pitfalls when epilepsy patients transition to adult care.

Keywords

epilepsy - transition of care - antiepileptic drugs - pharmacology changes


Publication History

Received: 04 August 2020

Accepted: 06 August 2020

Article published online:
24 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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