Abstracts

RATIONALE: Neurontin is currently being studied for efficacy and safety in pediatric partial seizure patients < 4 years old. We report on 4 non-study patients under < 24 months old whose partial seizures were treated with currently available 100 mg Neurontin capsules. METHODS: Four children (Table 1) with partial seizures were reviewed retrospectively. One was already being treated with Depakote for infantile spasms. EEGs and MRIs were reviewed. All had a history of either prior language that was suddenly lost for no apparent reason or an intermittent use of words. None had a history of language loss with infection. Additionally, they showed ataxia, clumsiness, staring spells, emotionality, social withdrawal +/- hyperactivity and fine motor problems. Neurontin was started at 10 mg/kg and titrated to 80 mg/kg. RESULTS: All episodes decreased or stopped at 80 mg/kg of Neurontin. Language improvement went from "advanced for age" to "constant jabbering with more words". The children became more interactive and behavior stablized. Fewer falls were noted and coordination improved. CONCLUSIONS: Neurontin has an excellent safety profile. Its efficacy has not been proven in children. As in adults, EEG data is not adequate for diagnosing or following pediatric partial seizures in children < 2 years old. Language, behavior and clinical episodes are more effective in showing changes.