New recommendations offer insights on strategies for treating infants with seizures. In an Epilepsia report, child neurologists who are members of the International League Against Epilepsy note that intervening at the time of a febrile seizure does not alter the risk for subsequent epilepsy, and there is no evidence to support the use of antiepileptic drugs for simple febrile seizures. However, recurrent seizures warrant an urgent assessment, and a variety of antiepileptic drugs may benefit these patients. Unfortunately, there is no high level evidence to support the use of any one particular drug among those that are currently available for use in infants with seizures.

“Whilst this report provided some recommendations, for the most part it identified the significant lack of evidence to support our standard operating procedures. Initially intended as a guideline, it was re-termed a recommendation based on this lack of evidence-based data,” said Professor Jo Wilmshurst, lead author. “For the areas of expert opinion, readers could elect to adapt this data to ensure the best care possible for their patients, whilst we await further studies to consolidate a higher evidence base to enable a definitive comment on common practice.”

Citation: Wilmshurst, J. M., Burman, R., Gaillard, W. D. and Cross, J. H. (2015), Treatment of infants with epilepsy: Common practices around the world. Epilepsia. doi: 10.1111/epi.13003