Epilepsy with myoclonic absences - favourable response to add-on rufinamide treatment in 3 cases

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA) is a rare epileptic syndrome with frequently poor response to antiepileptic treatment. Rufinamide (RUF) is a relatively new EMEA- and FDA-approved anticonvulsant licensed as an orphan drug for the adjunctive treatment of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective data analysis in 3 patients was performed.

Results: Add-on RUF treatment was initiated in 3 boys with EMA refractory to conventional antiepileptic therapy (primidone + valproic acid, n=1; levetiracetame + ethosuximide, n=2). It resulted in complete cessation of all seizures in 2, and a 50% reduction of the seizure frequency in one child, respectively.

Conclusions: RUF add-on therapy should be considered in children with EMA not responding to conventional antiepileptic therapy.