ROLE OF VIGABATRIN AND LAMOTRIGINE IN TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD EPILEPTIC SYNDROMES

Purpose: Vigabatrin (VGB) and lamotrigine (LTG) are two new antiepilep tic drugs (AEDs) with different mechanisms of action for treatment of refractory epilepsies. Previous reports have indicated efficacy of bot h drugs in a number of epileptic syndromes. Methods: We compared these new AEDs drugs to determine their respective efficacy against-differe nt types of epileptic syndrome and to develop a rational approach to t heir use. We reviewed the charts of 105 children, with partial and gen eralized epilepsies. Results: VGB was to be significantly more effecti ve in children with partial epilepsies, and LTG was more effective in those with generalized epilepsies. Conclusions: VGB and LTG have diffe rent therapeutic profiles. Combination treatment with the two drugs ma y represent rational polytherapy for patients with epilepsy resistant to treatment with either drug alone or as add-on to other AED treatmen t.