Electroretinographic responses in epileptic children treated with vigabatrin.

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that results in higher gamma-aminobutyrate levels in the brain and retina. Vigabatrin-induced visual field defects are usually asymptomatic and only detectable by perimetry. Further, perimetry requires good cooperation, and children aged under 10 years cannot do it. Electroretinogram response amplitude to full-field 30-Hz flicker shine has been offered to be more specific in predicting visual field defects. This study is scheduled to investigate the vigabatrin-associated visual complications in 67 epileptic children taking vigabatrin using full-field electroretinogram. Electroretinographic surveys showed normal range parameters despite 3 months of vigabatrin treatment, and just 3 (4.47%) children had been visually impaired at the end of 6-month treatment. Among these 3 cases, 1 patient had persistent electroretinogram abnormality despite vigabatrin discontinuation. Our study suggests that vigabatrin is secure for short-term pediatric antiepileptic treatment, with few cases of visual impairments and that are often reversible.

Normal values of standard full field electroretinography in an Iranian population.

PURPOSE: To determine normal values of standard full-field electroretinography (ERG) and to evaluate their variations with age in an Iranian population. METHODS: Through convenient sampling, 170 normal subjects 1-80 years of age were selected from residents of Tehran. ERG amplitudes and implicit time values were measured according to recommendations by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision. Evaluations consisted of light-adapted ERG including single-white flash and 30-Hz flicker response; and dark-adapted ERG including rod, maximal dark-adapted and cone responses. RESULTS: No significant difference in ERG values was observed between men and women, or between right and left eyes. ERG amplitudes were lower (P=0.04) and implicit time values were greater (P=0.03) in subjects 70-80 years of age as compared to younger individuals. CONCLUSION: ERG parameters are significantly diminished with age. Our results may serve as a reference against which standard ERG responses can be compared.