Purpose: Vigabatrin (VGB) is a new-generation anticonvulsant used in the tr
eatment of partial seizures and West syndrome. Side effects of VGB treatmen
t in adults and children are well described. Acute encephalopathy with VGB
has recently been reported in eight adults. They developed stupor, confusio
n, and electroencephalographic abnormalities after starting VGB. Does the a
cute encephalopathy with VGB also occur in childhood?
Methods: We describe a B-month-old girl with infantile Alexander disease wi
th hydrocephalus who developed similar clinical symptoms with apathia, somn
olence, and sopor, as well as slowing of the background activity in EEG, 3
days after starting VGB. After exclusion of shunt dysfunction, encephalitis
, metabolic dysfunction, and renal failure, VGB was discontinued.
Results. During the next 2 days, symptoms subsided, and after 10 days, EEG
background activity returned to the one before starting VGB.
Conclusions: Acute encephalopathy associated with VGB in children seems to
be very rare, but should not be ignored.