PATTERNS OF SEIZURE CONTROL AND ANTI EPILEPTIC DRUG UTILIZATION IN PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY PATIENTS – A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Objective: Epilepsy is a long-term nervous system disorder manifested by repeated seizures without an identifiable cause due to abnormal neuronal discharges within the brain. The present study aimed to evaluate the pattern, frequency, duration, comorbidities, and antiepileptic drug utilization among pediatric patients diagnosed with seizure disorders in a tertiary care hospital of South India. Methods: The present study adopted a prospective observational design over 6 months in 100 pediatric patients diagnosed with seizure disorders, selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data, seizure characteristics, and antiepileptic drug prescriptions were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 100 participants, females constituted 58% and males 42%, indicating a higher prevalence of seizures in females. Focal seizures were the predominant type, accounting for 54% of cases. Regarding frequency, 44% of children experienced two seizure episodes, and 62% exhibited mild seizures. The most frequently prescribed antiepileptic drugs were clobazam (n=63) and lorazepam (n=63), followed by levetiracetam (n=39). Conclusion: The study highlights that focal seizures are the predominant type of seizure among pediatric patients and are primarily managed with benzodiazepines such as clobazam and lorazepam. Understanding seizure patterns and drug utilization can help optimize treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric epilepsy management.