Binasal visual field defects are not specific to vigabatrin

Gonzalez, P., Sills, G.J., Parks, S.W., Kelly, K., Stephen, L.J., Keating, D., Dutton, G.N. and Brodie, M.J. (2009) Binasal visual field defects are not specific to vigabatrin. Epilepsy and Behavior, 16(3), pp. 521-526. (doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2009.09.003)

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Abstract

This study investigated the visual defects associated with the antiepileptic drug vigabatrin (VGB). Two hundred four people with epilepsy were grouped on the basis of antiepileptic drug therapy (current, previous, or no exposure to VGB). Groups were matched with respect to age, gender, and seizure frequency. All patients underwent objective assessment of electrophysiological function (wide-field multifocal electroretinography) and conventional visual field testing (static perimetry). Bilateral visual field constriction was observed in 59% of patients currently taking VGB, 43% of patients who previously took VGB, and 24% of patients with no exposure to VGB. Assessment of retinal function revealed abnormal responses in 48% of current VGB users and 22% of prior VGB users, but in none of the patients without previous exposure to VGB. Bilateral visual field abnormalities are common in the treated epilepsy population, irrespective of drug history. Assessment by conventional static perimetry may neither be sufficiently sensitive nor specific to reliably identify retinal toxicity associated with VGB.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dutton, Dr Gordon and Keating, Professor David and Parks, Dr Stuart and Sills, Dr Graeme
Authors: Gonzalez, P., Sills, G.J., Parks, S.W., Kelly, K., Stephen, L.J., Keating, D., Dutton, G.N., and Brodie, M.J.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Journal Name:Epilepsy and Behavior
ISSN:1525-5050
ISSN (Online):1525-5069
Published Online:08 October 2009

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