Fenfluramine as antiseizure medication for epilepsy.
Journal
Developmental medicine and child neurology
ISSN: 1469-8749
Titre abrégé: Dev Med Child Neurol
Pays: England
ID NLM: 0006761
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
08 2021
08 2021
Historique:
accepted:
05
01
2021
pubmed:
11
2
2021
medline:
12
10
2021
entrez:
10
2
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Fenfluramine hydrochloride has classically been described as acting pharmacologically through a serotonergic mechanism. Therefore, it was initially used as an anorectic drug, given that impaired serotonin homeostasis may be associated with increased food intake. Although positive results were documented, cardiovascular concerns resulted in its temporary withdrawal. Nevertheless, a novel role in patients with epilepsy was later suggested by isolated clinical observations. The wide application of genetic testing allowed the classification (predominantly as Dravet syndrome) of patients in whom benefit was seen, while with the development of zebrafish models, its antiepileptic properties were confirmed at a molecular level. Data from randomized clinical trials have shown a beneficial effect of fenfluramine, as an adjunct therapy, on seizure control for children with Dravet syndrome, though there is still uncertainty about the impact on neurodevelopment in these patients. No signs of heart valve disease have been documented to date. Long-term and appropriately designed clinical studies will verify whether fenfluramine is a therapeutic agent of high importance, living up to the promise shown so far. What this paper adds Fenfluramine is a very promising repurposed therapy specifically for seizures in Dravet syndrome. The long-term effect of fenfluramine on neurodevelopmental prognosis requires further investigation.
Substances chimiques
Anticonvulsants
0
Fenfluramine
2DS058H2CF
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
899-907Subventions
Organisme : Department of Health
Pays : United Kingdom
Informations de copyright
© 2021 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.
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