[P3-38] The clinical outcome of adjuvant therapy with verapamil on Dravet syndrome: a pilot study
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the effect of verapamil, a voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, on Dravet syndrome (DS) with mutations in the SCN1A gene as add-on therapy. Methods: Six patients with DS and pathogenic SCN1A mutations were enrolled in this study. Verapamil was first introduced at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/day and then slowly titrated to 1.5 mg/kg/day in two weeks. The patients were followed up for three months. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored every day. The outcome was assessed on the basis of seizure frequency. Results: Five of the six patients exhibited decreased seizure onset. Electroencephalography (EEG) of two patients were normal and that of one patient was improved. Two patients exhibited cognitive progress. Abnormal cardiograph was recorded in two patients, and the dosage of verapamil was reduced in one patient. No other side effects were observed. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that verapamil may be a promising add-on therapy for DS patients and should be investigated further.