Abstracts

Impact of Clobazam and Valproate on Short-Term Response Among Children Initiated on Epidiolex (Cannabidiol) for Refractory Epilepsy

Abstract number : 2.237
Submission category : 7. Antiepileptic Drugs / 7C. Cohort Studies
Year : 2019
Submission ID : 2421682
Source : www.aesnet.org
Presentation date : 12/8/2019 4:04:48 PM
Published date : Nov 25, 2019, 12:14 PM

Authors :
Laura A. Caligiuri, Duke University; Lydia Feinstein, Social and Scientific Systems, University of North Carolina; Dmitry Tchapyjnikov, Duke University

Rationale: Epidiolex is known to have drug interactions with clobazam and valproate. In this study, we (1) examined response rates among children treated with Epidiolex for refractory epilepsy, (2) assessed if seizure reduction rates were higher among children who were also taking clobazam or valproate when initiating Epidiolex, and (3) evaluated if any other clinical or demographic features were predictive of response to Epidiolex.  Methods: We retrospectively created a longitudinal cohort of 41 pediatric patients (<=18 years old) with refractory epilepsy (failed 3 or more anti-seizure medications [ASM]) who were prescribed Epidiolex between 11/2018-2/2019. We evaluated patients' response to Epidiolex at three months post-initiation, as measured by the percent reduction in seizure frequency. To identify the potential predictors of response status, we assessed the distribution of patient characteristics overall and stratified by <50% or >
Antiepileptic Drugs