Markers of Antiseizure Treatment Efficacy in Children: A Review

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder causing recurrent seizures as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity. Approximately 70 million people worldwide suffer from it and need antiseizure treatment. The diagnosis and assessment of the effectiveness of the therapy are mainly based on symptoms described by a witness or a patient, which is a method of low reliability. The review aims to evaluate available markers of antiseizure drugs’ efficacy, highlighting those that could support the proper course of treatment. Results: Comparing the available studies was very challenging. There were significant differences across the groups enrolled in the studies regarding the type of epilepsy included, the patient inclusion criteria, and the total number of patients. Moreover, most of the trials have been conducted on adults, not on children. Conclusions: Drug selection and their dosage are mainly based on the relationship between patients and their caregivers. Additionally, electroencephalography (EEG) and antiseizure medication (ASM) concentrations are assessed, but according to many studies, none of the applied methods are sufficient for the diagnostic and therapeutic process to be based on.