Comparison of add-on valproate and primidone in carbamazepine-unresponsive patients with partial epilepsy.

Authors :: Sun MZ
Deckers CL
Liu YX
Wang W
Source :: Seizure [Seizure] 2009 Mar; Vol. 18 (2), pp. 90-3. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Jul 30.
Publication Year :: 2009
Abstract: Purpose: Evaluation of the efficacy of add-on valproate (VPA) or primidone (PRM) in patients with partial epilepsy unresponsive to carbamazepine (CBZ).<br />Methods: The trial was prospective and open. Patients, aged 8-58 years, with partial epilepsy who did not become seizure free on CBZ were randomized to either VPA add-on or PRM add-on. The baseline period and the evaluation period were both 3 months. Proportions of patients with different degrees of reduction in seizure frequency were determined.<br />Results: Significantly more patients on VPA (51% of 68 patients) achieved a greater than 50% seizure reduction than on PRM (34% of 68 patients). There was no significant difference in percentage seizure free (26% and 16%, respectively) or in percentage treatment withdrawals due to adverse effects.<br />Conclusion: Our results indicated that the efficacy of the CBZ/VPA combination tends to be greater than the efficacy of the CBZ/PRM combination.

Subjects :: Adolescent
Adult
Carbamazepine therapeutic use
Child
Drug Therapy, Combination
Epilepsies, Partial complications
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Seizures etiology
Anticonvulsants therapeutic use
Epilepsies, Partial drug therapy
Primidone therapeutic use
Seizures prevention & control
Valproic Acid therapeutic use

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