RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Treatment of drop attacks: Anti-seizure drug choices of pediatric neurologists in Saudi Arabia
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 170
OP 176
DO 10.17712/nsj.2023.3.20230008
VO 28
IS 3
A1 Mudhawi Alhiniah
A1 Asma Alshahrani
A1 Renad Rajab
A1 Rakan Alelyani
A1 Atheer Badawi
A1 Abrar Abbar
A1 Mashael Abdulsbhan
A1 Amir Alrajhi
A1 Osama Muthaffar
A1 Mohammed Jan
YR 2023
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/28/3/170.abstract
AB Objectives: To evaluate Epileptic drop attacks (EDAs) treatment options among pediatric neurologists in Saudi Arabia (SA) and to develop a recommendation scheme for the management of EDAs in SA. Epileptic drop attacks are one of the most pharmaco-resistant epileptic seizures. The different approaches to EDA treatment are influenced by a variety of factors, including pharmaceutical availability, costs, side effects, treating physicians’ experience and personal preferences.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online. A structured questionnaire that aimed to measure the therapeutic options for patients with EDA was electronically distributed to pediatric neurologists across SA. It contained 21 questions, and the data were collected in Excel sheets and analyzed.Results: Our study included a cohort of 71 pediatric neurologists from SA, of which male doctors represented 60%. Most of the participating pediatric neurologists had more than 10 years of experience in the field. We found that 77% of the included pediatric neurologists used valproic acid as a first-line drug in patients with EDA. Further, in the different case scenarios provided to participants, levetiracetam, clobazam, topiramate, and rufinamide were included in the initial management protocol for EDA.Conclusion: The majority of pediatric neurologists in Saudi Arabia chose valproic acid and/or levetiracetam as the first line of treatment for EDA. These results highlight the need for an evidence-based clinical guidelines to treat EDA.