Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Epilepsy Patients Receiving First-Generation Antiseizure Medications Therapy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in children, which treatment based on factors like the type of epilepsy and the selection of antiseizure medications (ASMs). First-generation ASMs have been an important part of pediatric epilepsy therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, therapeutic results of first-generation ASMs, and factors influencing the therapeutic response in pediatric epilepsy patients.

This study used a cross-sectional method and included a total of 60 samples. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as treatment profiles and treatment outcomes of epilepsy patients. Bivariate analysis was used to find factors associated with treatment response.

The majority of patients were aged 6 months to 7 years (63.3%), had generalized seizures (75%), with seizure duration of 1-5 minutes (75%), frequency of more than 3 times a day (58.3%), and loss of consciousness during seizures (60%). Response to treatment was 55% overall out of 60 samples. An interesting result occurred when the association between the presence of neurological deficits in patients and response to treatment (p=0.00) was found to be significant, suggesting the need for further monitoring and intervention in patients with this additional condition.

Although age, seizure type, ASMs duration, and the number of therapies does not significantly impact treatment response in pediatric epilepsy, the presence of neurological deficits is a significant factor, indicating the need for targeted monitoring and intervention in affected patients.