Valproate in children with newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized epilepsy

Objectives - Sparse information on dose-response characteristics for initial antiepileptic drug monotherapy in children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is available. The aim of this study is to characterize the therapeutic dose of valproate in children with newly diagnosed IGE. Materials and methods - Effect of initial valproate monotherapy and doses associated with seizure freedom were examined in consecutive children with IGE identified from a New Onset Seizure Clinic. Results - Of 84 patients identified, 48 (57%) became seizure-free on valproate monotherapy and another 10 patients became seizure-free but discontinued VPA because of adverse effects. The mean dose in seizure-free children was 15.7 mg/kg/day and over 95% of IGE patients will respond below 25 mg/kg/day. Conclusions - Half of children became seizure-free on valproate monotherapy and did so at modest doses.