Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.3

Title: Low long-term efficacy and tolerability of add-on rufinamide in patients with Dravet syndrome.

Authors: A Mueller, R Boor, G Coppola, P Striano, M Dahlin, C von Stuelpnagel, J Lotte, M Staudt, G Kluger

Journal, date & volume: Epilepsy Behav, 2011 Jul , 21, 282-4

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21620771

Abstract
In this retrospective European multicenter study we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of rufinamide in patients with Dravet syndrome and refractory seizures. Twenty patients were included; in 16 patients a SCN1A mutation was detected. The responder rate after 6 months was 20%, and after 34 months, 5%. The retention rate was 45% after 6 months and 5% after 34 months. Rufinamide treatment was stopped because of aggravation of seizures (30%), no effect (45%), and side effects (10%). The efficacy and long-term retention rate were low in our patients with Dravet syndrome and refractory seizures, far lower than in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; one-third of our patients experienced seizure aggravation. Therefore, rufinamide does not seem to be a suitable option for long-term treatment in patients with Dravet syndrome.