Abstract

Drug Utilization Pattern of Anti-epileptic Drugs in Idiopathic Childhood Epilepsy in a Tertiary Health Care Center

Author(s): Sabnam Ara Begum1 , Arunava Biswas2, Mousumi De, Avijit Ganguly4 & * , Saugata Ghosh5 , Saumya Sarkar6

Introduction - The study was conducted to know the prevalence of various types of Idiopathic Childhood Epilepsy and the utilization pattern of Antiepileptic drugs (AED) in the tertiary referral center. Method - A total of 100 Idiopathic epileptic patients of both sexes below 15yrs of age who were prescribed an AED (Antiepileptic drug) were considered for analysis. Demographic profile, type of epilepsy, AED, number of epileptic events, biochemical, EEG and ADR (Adverse drug reaction) data were collected and analyzed. Results - Among all subjects 58% (Male56%)are children <5yrs. Incidence of Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure (GTCS) was 80%, Complex Partial Seizure 60%, Partial Seizure with Secondary Generalization 32%, Simple Partial Seizure 8%, Myoclonic 8%, Absence 7% and Atonic 5%. Valproate was the most commonly prescribed drug in GTCS, Atonic, Myoclonic and Absence seizure. Carbamazepine was commonly prescribed drug in Partial seizure. A total of 110 AEDs (i.e.1.1 AED per patient) were prescribed. The majority of subjects (90%) required monotherapy. Overall, only 5% patients received newer AED and majority of patients (95%) were on older AED therapy. Only five patients reported ADRs. Phenytoin and Carbamazepine were the offenders but none received any treatment for adverse effects. Conclusion-Idiopathic Childhood Epilepsy was more common in male children of 1 to 5yr age. GTCS was the commonest type of epilepsy. The majority of epileptic children received monotherapy and older AED. Valproate was the commonly prescribed drug in all type of epilepsy other than Partial seizure. It was the most cost effective and safest AED.

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