Background Nearly 30% of patients with epilepsy are refractory to currently available antiseizure drugs (ASDs). Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved perampanel (PER) for patients as young as 4 years, there are limited data on using PER in children.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive PER treatment in children with refractory epilepsy (RE).

Methodology This prospective intervention study was conducted in the tertiary care center, in Bengaluru, India from December 2020 to May 2022. PER was added after the failure of a minimum of two ASDs and patients with 6 months follow-up. Treatment response was classified as complete, partial, or none with ≥90, ≥50, and <50% reduction in seizure frequency, respectively. Adverse events and discontinuation data were used to assess tolerability.

Results Our cohort consisted of 100 cases, a mean age of 9.3 ± 3.8 years and male:female ratio of 3:1. The predominant seizure type was generalized seizures (74%), and concomitant enzyme-inducing ASD use was noted in 27%. Structural etiology was noted in 57%. A total of 76% of participants responded to PER therapy (46% complete response and 30% partial response), while 23% showed no response and 1% discontinued the treatment. Adverse events were observed in 25% of participants (11/25 [44%] drowsiness/sedation, 10/25 [40%] behavioral problems, and 4 [16%] other side effects). Early PER add-on provided a statistically significant benefit over late PER add-on (p = 0.01). Response to PER did not differ significantly with the type of seizure and ASD used (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Adjunctive PER therapy is safe and effective for treating children with RE. An early add-on of PER is more beneficial in controlling seizures than a late add-on.

Received: 22 January 2023

Accepted: 01 April 2023

Article published online:
11 May 2023

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