Effects of some novel anticonvulsant drugs on the synchronous activity recorded in the presence of 4-aminopyridine in the rat hippocampus

Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, it remains a significant therapeutic challenge. Studies of the novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) gabapentin, lamotrigine and topiramate suggest that they will aid in managing seizures refractory to more established agents. However, a consensus has not been reached on their respective cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Moreover, only a limited number of studies have examined the effects of these drugs in infants and children, a patient population with a particular propensity for seizure generation. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to assess the effects of these new AEDs on the synchronous epileptiform activity evoked by the convulsant 4-aminopyridine (4AP) in the immature brain. The experiments described in this thesis indicate that at clinically relevant concentrations, gabapentin, lamotrigine and topiramate effectively reduce epileptiform events induced by 4AP in the hippocampal slice in vitro. These findings support previous work, and will be relevant for designing future antiepileptic compounds

Comparative study of posterior and anterior circulation stroke in childhood: Results from the International Pediatric Stroke Study.

ObjectiveTo compare risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes after posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (PCAIS) and anterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (ACAIS) in neonates and children.MethodsIn this international multicenter observational study including neonates and children up to 18 years of age with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), we compared clinical and radiologic features according to stroke location.ResultsOf 2,768 AIS cases, 507 (18%) were located in the posterior circulation, 1,931 (70%) in the anterior circulation, and 330 (12%) involved both. PCAIS was less frequent in neonates compared to children (8.8% vs 22%, p < 0.001). Children with PCAIS were older than children with ACAIS (median age 7.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.1-14] vs 5.1 [IQR 1.5-12] years, p < 0.001), and more often presented with headache (54% vs 32%, p < 0.001) and a lower Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale score (4 [IQR 2-8] vs 8 [IQR 3-13], p = 0.001). Cervicocephalic artery dissections (CCAD) were more frequent (20% vs 8.5%, p < 0.001), while cardioembolic strokes were less frequent (19% vs 32%, p < 0.001) in PCAIS. Case fatality rates were equal in both groups (2.9%). PCAIS survivors had a better outcome (normal neurologic examination at hospital discharge in 29% vs 21%, p = 0.002) than ACAIS survivors, although this trend was only observed in children and not in neonates.ConclusionPCAIS is less common than ACAIS in both neonates and children. Children with PCAIS are older and have a higher rate of CCAD, lower clinical stroke severity, and better outcome than children with ACAIS

Comparative study of posterior and anterior circulation stroke in childhood: Results from the International Pediatric Stroke Study.

OBJECTIVE To compare risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes after posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (PCAIS) and anterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (ACAIS) in neonates and children. METHODS In this international multicenter observational study including neonates and children up to 18 years of age with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), we compared clinical and radiologic features according to stroke location. RESULTS Of 2,768 AIS cases, 507 (18%) were located in the posterior circulation, 1,931 (70%) in the anterior circulation, and 330 (12%) involved both. PCAIS was less frequent in neonates compared to children (8.8% vs 22%, p < 0.001). Children with PCAIS were older than children with ACAIS (median age 7.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.1-14] vs 5.1 [IQR 1.5-12] years, p < 0.001), and more often presented with headache (54% vs 32%, p < 0.001) and a lower Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale score (4 [IQR 2-8] vs 8 [IQR 3-13], p = 0.001). Cervicocephalic artery dissections (CCAD) were more frequent (20% vs 8.5%, p < 0.001), while cardioembolic strokes were less frequent (19% vs 32%, p < 0.001) in PCAIS. Case fatality rates were equal in both groups (2.9%). PCAIS survivors had a better outcome (normal neurologic examination at hospital discharge in 29% vs 21%, p = 0.002) than ACAIS survivors, although this trend was only observed in children and not in neonates. CONCLUSION PCAIS is less common than ACAIS in both neonates and children. Children with PCAIS are older and have a higher rate of CCAD, lower clinical stroke severity, and better outcome than children with ACAIS