The efficacy of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) compared to pyridoxine (PN) in the control of idiopathic intractable epilepsy was studied in 94 children, aged 8 months to 15 years, at the National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Fifty-seven patients had generalized seizures (infantile spasms in 13) and 37 had focal seizures. Intravenous PLP 10 mg/kg was followed by 10 mg/kg/day orally in 4 divided doses. The dose was increased to 50 mg/kg/day if seizures recurred within 24 hours of the

more »

... 24 hours of the first injection. PN was substituted if seizures were completely controlled by PLP. Eleven (11.7%) responded dramatically to PLP (6 had infantile spasms), and of these, 5 also responded to PN. The mean ages of vixamin B6 responders and non-responders were 6.3 and 72 months, respectively. No side effects occurred, and tests of sensory and motor nerve conduction were normal. ( Wang H-S, Kuo M-F, Chou M-L et al. Pyridoxal phosphate is better than pyridoxine for controlling idiopathic intractable epilepsy. Arch Dis Child May 2005;90:512-515).