Genetic generalized epilepsy: factors associated with drug resistance polytherapy

Abstract Background Different studies investigating generalized genetic epilepsy (GGE) have shown that achieving 5 years of remission, early seizure and needing antiseizure medication (ASM) monotherapy may predict favorable long-term outcomes. Results This is a retrospective analytical cohort study. Records patients with GGE diagnoses at large center in Cairo served as the data source. 630 (297 male (47.1%) 333 female (52.9%)) were included, their median onset age was 13 years. The follow-up period this study least 4 418 (66.1%) remitters, 160 (25.4%) late 52 (8.3%) intractable. In addition, 367 (58.3%) needed single ASM to achieve maximum remission (monotherapy group), while 263 (41.7%) polytherapy. Stepwise regression analysis revealed absence seizures, clusters frequency before treatment, dose sodium valproate (VPA) until first independent predictors for Moreover, VPA dose, catamenial seizures females intractability. Conclusion majority outcome, some clinical features could need polytherapy failure on treatment.