UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
RESEARCH SEMINARS
Abstract form
Title: Drug therapy in epilepsy: new perspectives, new implications
Presenter: Janet Mifsud
Contact address: Dept Of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics,
University Of Malta, Msida, Malta, MSD06
Tel: +356 23402845
Fax: +356 21320281
Email: janet.mifsud@um.edu.mt
Presentation date: 09.05.2005
Abstract
(approximately 200-250 words)
With a prevalence of 0.5-1.0% in the general population, epilepsy is one of the most serious
neurological conditions, with considerable socio-economic implications.
Treatment and
prognosis differ depending on the type of epilepsy. Yet about 30% of patients remain
pharmacoresistant. Pharmacological control still directed at symptoms not aetiology. This
presentation will give an overview of the present guidelines with respect to drug treatment in
epilepsy and discuss the ideal pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for antiepileptic drugs
(AEDs). PK determines AEDs ability to achieve and maintain concentrations that maximise
safety and efficacy and to determine dosage regimen and mode of administration as well as
formulation. An overview will be given of the improvements of the PK properties of the
new AEDs with respect to the older ones.
PK data for any medicinal product, even AEDs obtained from adults can not be
automatically extrapolated to children. The paediatric population represents a vulnerable
group with developmental, physiological and psychological differences from adults, which
makes age and development related research particularly important. It is estimated that
between 50 and 90 % of medicinal products used in paediatric population have never been
specifically evaluated for use in that age group. The use of “off -label” and unauthorised
products with the associated risks of inefficacy and/or adverse reactions is the only
alternative solution for the physician to treat paediatric patients. Recent in this area carried
out in our department will also be discussed.