Pediatric neurology
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Pediatric neurology · Nov 2004
Clinical TrialTopiramate slow dose titration: improved efficacy and tolerability.
Topiramate is an effective treatment for several types of seizures. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and tolerability of slow topiramate dose titration as add-on therapy in childhood epilepsy. This investigation is a prospective open-label, single-center, add-on study in 22 children with a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy. ⋯ Two patients (9%) manifested no improvement; only one patient (5%) did not tolerate the added drug and discontinued topiramate. One patient manifested severe side effects, whereas 21 patients experienced mild to moderate side effects mostly represented by somnolence, nervousness, and anorexia with or without weight loss. We conclude that slow dose titration improves efficacy and tolerability of topiramate as add-on therapy in the treatment in refractory epilepsy.
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Pediatric neurology · Nov 2004
Review Case ReportsDevelopment of tuberculoma during therapy presenting as hemianopsia.
A 6-year-old, previously healthy male presented with fever and lethargy. Tuberculous meningitis was suspected after cerebrospinal fluid examination. Antituberculous drugs were administered, and an initial computed tomographic scan of brain revealed mild ventriculomegaly only. ⋯ Visual acuity improved 9 weeks after the onset of visual acuity impairment and returned to normal 24 weeks later. Follow-up computed tomographic scan of brain 1 year later demonstrated complete resolution of tuberculomas. Development of intracranial tuberculoma during antituberculous therapy, although rare, dose not represent treatment failure, and continuation of antituberculous drugs, with or without the addition of steroids, will usually resolve the lesions.