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Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy 2014; 03(01): 015-024
DOI: 10.3233/PEP-14071
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Safety and efficacy of newer anticonvulsant medications in pediatric epilepsy

Dara Albert
a   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, University of Chicago, IL, USA
,
Diana Sieciechowicz
a   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, University of Chicago, IL, USA
,
Michael Kohrman
a   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, University of Chicago, IL, USA
› Author Affiliations
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Further Information

Publication History

26 February 2014

26 February 2014

Publication Date:
18 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

We provide a comprehensive review of studies done since 2000 of the newest anticonvulsant medications in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. Using the PubMed search engine we identified any studies referencing the use of the following eight anticonvulsants in children: brivaracetam, clobazam, ezogabine, felbamate, lacosamide, perampanel, vigabatrin and zonisamide. The papers reviewed included case reports, observational studies, retrospective and randomized-controlled trials between the year 2000 and 2014. Although there is abundant observational data on the safety and efficacy of these eight anticonvulsants in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy, there are only a limited number of randomized, placebo controlled trials of these drugs. Further study in this area is needed.

Keywords

Pediatric epilepsy - anticonvulsants