Pyridoxine-Dependent Seizures in an Older Child

Abstract

The case of a 12-year-old girl with pyridoxine-dependent seizures is reported. She developed status epilepticus just after birth and ordinary antiepileptic drugs were administered without effect. Her seizures ceased only on the administration of pyridoxine. Status epilepticus associated with the withdrawal of pyridoxine occurred three times, and ceased only after the renewed administration of pyridoxine. She now has mental retardation and mild spastic diplegia. The reported cases of pyridoxine-dependent seizures usually have been neonates and infants. Older patients were not fully investigated, and so we have reviewed these cases of pyridoxine-dependent seizures. As known previously, pediatricians should not forget that pyridoxine should be continued for life. (J Child Neurol 1999;14:687-690).