Search Results (2)

Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) fail to prevent seizure recurrence in more than 30% of patients with epilepsy. The treatment is more difficult in premenopausal women with epilepsy (WWE) because changes in plasma estrogen and progesterone concentrations during the menstrual cycle often affect seizure frequency and intensity. Interactions between enzyme-inducin ASMs and hormonal contraceptives can lead to both a loss of seizure control and failure of contraception. Significant changes in the function of the liver and kidneys during pregnancy can accelerate metabolism and elimination of ASMs, causing breakthrough seizures. In addition, the teratogenic, cognitive, and psychological effects of ASMs on potential offspring have to be considered when choosing the best ASM regimen. Therefore, aspecialized approach is necessary for the treatment of premenopausal WWE. Full article

Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT), particularly modified Atkins diet (MAD), is increasingly recognized as a treatment for adults with epilepsy. Women with epilepsy (WWE) comprise 50% of people with epilepsy and approximately one in three have catamenial epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding a medium chain triglyceride emulsion to MAD to target catamenial seizures was feasible and well-tolerated. This was a prospective two-center study of pre-menopausal WWE with a catamenial seizure pattern on MAD. After a 1-month baseline interval with no changes in treatment, participants consumed betaquik^® (Vitaflo International Ltd.) for 10 days each menstrual cycle starting 2 days prior to and encompassing the primary catamenial seizure pattern for five cycles. Participants recorded seizures, ketones, and menses, and completed surveys measuring tolerability. Sixteen women aged 20–50 years (mean 32) were enrolled and 13 (81.2%) completed the study. There was 100% adherence for consuming betaquik^® in the women who completed the study and overall intervention adherence rate including the participants that dropped out was 81.2%. The most common side effects attributed to MAD alone prior to starting betaquik^® were constipation and nausea, whereas abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea were reported after adding betaquik^®. The high adherence rate and acceptable tolerability of betaquik^® shows feasibility for future studies evaluating KDT-based treatments for catamenial seizures. Full article