Vigabatrin in the treatment of infantile spasms in tuberous sclerosis: Literature review

The purpose of this report is to review the efficacy and safety of vigabatr in in the treatment of infantile spasms in infants suffering from tuberous sclerosis complex. We reviewed all studies published in the English-languag e Literature investigating the use of vigabatrin in the treatment of infant ile spasms. Ten studies gave results for the efficacy of vigabatrin in infa ntile spasms for infants both with and without underlying diagnoses of tube rous sclerosis. Of the 313 patients without tuberous sclerosis complex, 170 (54%) had complete cessation of their infantile spasms; of the 17 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, 73 (95%) had complete cessation of their seizures. We conclude that vigabatrin should be considered as first-line mo notherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants with either a co nfirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis or those at high risk, ie, those wi th a first-degree relative with tuberous sclerosis complex. Paradoxically, in those without tuberous sclerosis complex, vigabatrin might be less effic acious than suggested by studies including patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.