Recommendations for visual evaluations of patients treated with vigabatrin.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2010

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although vigabatrin has been used for many years in Europe, this antiepileptic medication was approved for use in the USA only 1 year ago because of concerns for irreversible peripheral visual field loss that can result in functional visual disability.

RECENT FINDINGS: Visual function testing involves both subjective and objective techniques, some of which can be standardized across multiple centers. With these subjective and objectives issues as a reference, the current literature about the pathogenesis of vigabatrin visual toxicity is reviewed in order to develop a practical and reliable testing program for detecting peripheral visual field changes early in their course; thereby, hopefully limiting disabling visual field loss.

SUMMARY: Based upon the existing literature as well as the currently available data about the evaluation of visual function, an algorithm has been developed to serve as a starting point for clinicians to evaluate patients treated with vigabatrin for refractory epilepsy.

Volume

21

Issue

6

First Page

442

Last Page

446

ISSN

1531-7021

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

20811279

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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