Dramatic relapse of seizures after everolimus withdrawal

Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2018 Jan;22(1):203-206. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2017.07.018. Epub 2017 Aug 3.

Abstract

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder caused by deregulation of the mTOR pathway, and represents one of the leading genetic causes of epilepsy. mTOR inhibitors (Sirolimus and Everolimus) are currently approved only for the treatment of growing subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, renal angiomyolipomas and lymphangioleiomyomatosis in TSC. However, preclinical and clinical evidence supports their potential role in effectively treating TSC-associated epilepsy, but no consensus on its use in seizures has been reached yet and there are few data on epilepsy outcome after the suspension of mTOR inhibitors treatment. We report for the first time on a patient in whom discontinuation of Everolimus (prescribed for growing subependymal giant cell astrocytomas) was associated with a relapse of seizures twice, and control of seizures was regained after reintroducing the medicine. This clinical report supports the promising potential of Everolimus in treating epilepsy in TSC, and specifically underlines the non-permanent effect on seizures after withdrawal.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Everolimus; SEGA; Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma; Tuberous sclerosis complex; mTOR inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytoma / complications
  • Astrocytoma / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / complications
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Everolimus / adverse effects*
  • Everolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Recurrence
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / complications
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / complications
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Everolimus