Use of benzodiazepines for seizure control in kids tied to future risk of polytherapy, reveals study

Written By : Aditi

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2024-03-12 16:15 GMT | Update On 2024-03-13 05:02 GMT

Managing antiseizure treatment in epileptic patients relies on the benefit-risk ratio. More data on using antiseizure medication (ASM) in children must be available.

The present study published in Epilepsia investigated the prevalence of prescription patterns for antiseizure medication for pediatric epilepsy patients in France. The most common antiseizure medicine prescribed was valproate, followed by lamotrigine and levetiracetam. From 2013-2016, there was reduced prevalence of benzodiazepine usage, whereas the prevalence of levetiracetam use increased. Using benzodiazepines increased the likelihood of switching from bitherapy to polytherapy. The usage of benzodiazepines may pose a future risk for polytherapy prescriptions; they highlight

This study described antiseizure medication use in children with epilepsy (CwE) in France, focusing on chronic use of benzodiazepines and related implications.

Researchers conducted a 5-year cohort study from January 2012. They used data from the French national health care data system Children with Epilepsy were identified through the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes and medications( January 2012 to December 2015; followed them until December 2016) . They described ASMs and assessed whether the risk of initiating a polytherapy after a bitherapy depends on whether benzodiazepine was included in the bitherapy.

Key findings from this study are:

Researchers identified 62 885 Children with Epilepsy.

Valproate was the most reimbursed ASM (40%).

This was followed by lamotrigine, levetiracetam, clobazam, and carbamazepine, which constituted 17.6%, 9.3%, 6.1 %, and 5.8 %, respectively.

Prescriptions were initiated in 74.5% of Children with epilepsy at the hospital.

The number of CwE with at least one benzodiazepine reimbursement decreased from 15.3% to 10.1 % in 2013 and 2016, respectively.

CwE prevalencewith levetiracetam reimbursements increased. On the other hand, the prevalence with valproate decreased.

A switch from a bitherapy to a polytherapy was more likely when the bitherapy included a benzodiazepine with a subdistribution hazard ratio or sHR of 1.20

They concluded that during the study period, CwE prevalence with at least one benzodiazepine reimbursement decreased. Benzodiazepines were also associated with increased use of subsequent ASM polytherapy.

Reference:

Auvin, S., Guillo, S., De Rycke, Y., Tran, D., & Tubach, F. (2024). Benzodiazepines for pediatric epilepsies and their risks in a cohort within the French health care data. Epilepsia. https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.17906

Article Source : Epilepsia

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Aditi

Dr. Aditi Yadav is a BDS, MDS in Periodontics and Implantology. She has a clinical experience of 5 years as a laser dental surgeon. She also has a Diploma in clinical research and pharmacovigilance and is a Certified data scientist. She is currently working as a content developer in e-health services. Dr. Yadav has a keen interest in Medical Journalism and is actively involved in Medical Research writing.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Use of benzodiazepines for seizure control in kids tied to future risk of polytherapy, reveals study

Similar News

Using Diaphragm Position on Chest Radiograph for Assessing Lung Volume in Infants not accurate and precise: JAMA

Air pollution linked to adverse birth outcomes, reveals Indian study

Early antibiotics may alter immune function in infants, suggests study

Medical Bulletin 24/July/2025

Paternal Mental Distress Linked to Poorer Child Development, Finds Meta-Analysis

Neonatal jaundice not associated with increased autism risk, finds study

Psychiatric Disorders Worsen Academic Outcomes in Children with Urinary Incontinence: Study

New jab protects babies from serious lung infection, study shows