Kim SC, Seol IJ, Kim SJ
Hypohidrosis Related Symptoms in Pediatric Epileptic Patients with Topiramate. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
Pediatr Int 2009 Jun 19.
Abstract
Background: Topiramate is one of the most commonly prescribed newer antiepileptic drugs. However, we have encountered with quite a few cases of pediatric epileptic patients on topiramate complaining about the symptoms related to hypohidrosis. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and define the clinical characteristics of hypohidrosis related symptoms with topiramate in pediatric patients.
Methods: Data was collected prospectively on 264 patients diagnosed as epilepsy and treated with topiramate at the Department of Pediatrics, Chonbuk National University Hospital between July 2004 and July 2006. The data were collected through direct interview after at least 3 months elapsed from the initiation of the medication.
Results: The study group was composed of 70 males and 81 females, with a mean age of 33.1 +/- 43.2 months. The mean duration of topiramate treatment was 13.4 +/-15.0 months; fifty-two patients (34.4%) were treated by topiramate only and 99 patients (65.6%) were on polytherapy including topiramate; fifty-nine out of 151 patients (39.1%) experienced hypohidrosis related symptoms: such as facial flushing, lethargy, itching sensation, irritability with hyperthermia, heat sensation or heat intolerance. However, there were no patients complaining of hypohidrosis related symptoms among those who were taking antiepileptic drugs other than topiramate.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that topiramate could induce hypohidrosis related symptoms more often than we expected especially in pediatric patients group. We recommend that pediatric epileptic patients with topiramate should be warned to avoid the hot and humid environments, especially during the hot summer season.
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