Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsEdge :

2008 OCT 6 - (NewsRx.com) -- Scientists discuss in 'New antiepileptic drugs in pediatric epilepsy' new findings in life sciences (see also Life Sciences). According to recent research from Seoul, South Korea, "New antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), introduced since 1993, provide more diverse options in the treatment of epilepsy. Despite the equivalent efficacy and better tolerability of these drugs, more than 25% of patients remain refractory to treatment."

"Moreover, the issues for pediatric patients are different from those for adults, and have not been addressed in the development and application of the new AEDs. Recently published evidence-based treatment guidelines have helped physicians to choose the most reasonable AED, although they cannot fully endorse new AEDs because of the lack of well-designed, randomized controlled trials," wrote H. Hwang and colleagues, Seoul National University, Department of Pediatrics.

The researchers concluded: "We review the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, adverse reactions, efficacy, and tolerability of eight new AEDs (felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, vigabatrin, and zonisamide), focusing on currently available treatment guidelines and expert opinions regarding pediatric epilepsy."

Hwang and colleagues published their study in Brain and Development (New antiepileptic drugs in pediatric epilepsy. Brain and Development, 2008;30(9):549-55).

For additional information, contact H. Hwang, Seoul National University Childern's Hospital, Dept. of Pediatrics, 28 Yongon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea.

Publisher contact information for the journal Brain and Development is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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