PR_1_2013-cz_1.vp:CorelVentura 7.0

Pharmacological Reports
Copyright © 2013
2013, 65, 89–98
by Institute of Pharmacology
ISSN 1734-1140
Polish Academy of Sciences
Progesterone therapy in women with epilepsy
Ewa Motta1, Anna Golba1, Zofia Ostrowska1, Arkadiusz Steposz1,
Maciej Huc1, Justyna Kotas-Rusnak2, Jarogniew J. £uszczki3,4,
Stanis³aw J. Czuczwar3,5, W³adys³aw Lasoñ6
1
Department of Neurology, Silesian Medical University, Zio³owa 45/47, PL 40-635 Katowice, Poland
2
Regional Specialist Hospital, Energetyków 46, PL 44-200 Rybnik, Poland
3
Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Aleje Rac³awickie 1, PL 20-059 Lublin, Poland
4
Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory,
5
Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Agricultural Medicine,
Jaczewskiego 2, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland
6
Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences,
Smêtna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
Correspondence: Ewa Motta, e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract:
Background: Progesterone with its anti-seizure effect plays a role in the pathophysiology of catamenial epilepsy which affects
31–60% of epileptic women. In this study, an attempt to treat women suffering from catamenial epilepsy with progesterone, as
an adjuvant drug, was made.
Methods: The treatment was given to 36 women aged 20–40 years (mean age: 30.75 ± 6.05) with seizures in the entire second half of
the menstrual cycle, who were found to have low serum levels of progesterone on days 22, 27, 28 of the cycle in comparison with
a control group of healthy women. The patients were administered progesterone in a daily dose of 50 mg on days 16–25 of each
cycle. The serum levels of antiepileptic drugs were assayed. The period of progesterone therapy ranged from 3 to 45 months (17.7 on
average).
Results: Three patients were free of secondary generalized seizures, and one – of simple partial seizures. A decline in the frequency
of primary and secondary generalized seizures by 20–96% (55.9% on average) was accomplished in 18 patients (primary generalized by 20–96% – 54.7% on average, and secondarily generalized by 38–85% – 59% on average). A decline in the frequency of complex partial seizures by 38–87% (63.1% on average) was achieved in 15 women. In 1 patient, the frequency of myoclonic seizures
decreased by 46%. There was no improvement in 5 women (3 patients with generalized, 1 with complex partial and 1 with simple
partial seizures). An exacerbation of seizure frequency occurred in 5 patients. Adverse effects were not found in any of the subjects.
The average concentrations of antiepileptic drugs during hormonal therapy were in the therapeutic range.
Conclusion: Progesterone combined with antiepileptic therapy was well tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction of seizure
frequency in majority of patients with catamenial epilepsy.
Key words:
catamenial epilepsy, progesterone therapy, menstrual cycle
Pharmacological Reports, 2013, 65, 89–98
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