Initial PERFECT Initiative findings highlight problems with epilepsy treatment

Children suffering from prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures may not always receive timely rescue medication in schools and other community settings as intended by their specialist physician, according to the first findings of the PERFECT Initiative, which was organized and funded by USA-based ViroPharma (Nasdaq: VPHM). The results were presented as part of a symposium at the ILAE's 10th European Congress on Epileptology (ECE), in London, UK.

The Steering Committee for The PERFECT Initiative, which comprises a group of leading clinical epilepsy specialists from six countries across Europe, also highlight discrepancies in comprehensive European guidelines and legal frameworks that ensure children with prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures are treated quickly whether in hospital or in the community, and recommend specific training on rescue medication for all those responsible for the child.

Prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures can pose a significant health threat in children with epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting nearly one million children and adolescents in Europe. Evidence suggests that treatment should be given immediately if a seizure persists longer than 5 minutes after onset. However, in the case of schools, despite the fact that many children are prescribed rescue medication by their doctors, teachers often opt not to administer seizure rescue medication unless specific training or provision has been made, typically via the school nurse. Instead an ambulance may be called, causing possible delays in seizure treatment.