Existing Drug May Prevent Seizures in Newborns

A second study, published in the June 2004 issue of Epilepsia, found that topiramate may also be useful in preventing epilepsy in rats by blocking certain glutamate receptors. Although therapeutic doses of the drug do not appear to alter normal brain development in rats, the safety of topiramate in children under three has not been studied. Trials are needed to determine this.

"The finding that treatment with a drug prevents injury when given after the insult is tremendously significant,” said lead researcher Dr. Frances Jensen, of the Children's Hospital Boston (MA, USA). "Because premature infants are typically maintained in a continuously monitored, intensive care setting, it's feasible to commence treatment even within a few minutes after the insult.”




Related Links:
Children's Hospital