Cure rate of Vigabatrin in treating infantile spasms

Vigabatrin may help control a patient's condition, but it will not cure it. Available data suggest that vigabatrin is effective in treating infantile spasms regardless of the underlying cause, but may be particularly beneficial in patients diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. Vigabatrin is generally well tolerated. However, in some patients, use is associated with permanent loss of peripheral vision. Vigabatrin should be considered as initial treatment for infantile spasms in children with tuberous sclerosis.

In a unique long-term outcome study (mean follow-up10.54 years), 180 children with infantile spasms were treated with Vigabatrin. This can be compared with a study of 214 patients from Finland who were treated with ACTH for an average of 25.6 years. In the Finnish study, long-term intelligence results in patients treated with Vigabatrin showed that 44% had normal intelligence and 24% had mental retardation. Spasms ceased in 60% of patients on Vigabatrin and in 54% to 87% of patients on ACTH/steroids.

The original Vigabatrin drug has not yet been launched in China, so it is not included in medical insurance. The Hong Kong version of the specificationsThe price of 500mg*100 bags per box may be more than 1,000 yuan (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rate effects). It is reported that an Indian chemical generic drug vigabatrin powder is on the domestic market. The price of each box of 500mg*50 bags may be more than 3,000 yuan. Its pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. The Turkish version of Vigabatrin currently sold overseas may cost more than RMB 1,000 per box of 500mg*100 bags (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).