Antiepileptic drugs in children in developing countries: research and treatment guideline needs

Epilepsia. 2009 Nov;50(11):2340-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02301.x. Epub 2009 Sep 10.

Abstract

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder in childhood. Effective interventions are available for treatment; however, the treatment gap in children is more than 80% in many developing countries. An important reason for this huge treatment gap is limited access to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This article discusses the reasons for such a treatment gap, and possible ways forward in improving care of children with epilepsy worldwide.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anticonvulsants / supply & distribution
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Developing Countries / economics*
  • Developing Countries / statistics & numerical data*
  • Drug Costs / statistics & numerical data
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / economics
  • Global Health
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Health Care Costs
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data
  • Healthcare Disparities / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Research / organization & administration
  • Research Design
  • Treatment Outcome
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants