Management of Landau-Kleffner syndrome.
Author: Mikati MA, Shamseddine AN.
Source:
Pediatric Drugs, 7(6), 377-389.
Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is an acquired epileptic aphasia disorder in which
children, usually 3-8 years of age who have developed age-appropriate speech,
experience language regression with verbal auditory agnosia, abnormal
epileptiform activity, behavioral disturbances, and sometimes overt seizures.
There are no controlled clinical trials investigating the therapeutic options for
LKS. Only open-label data are available. Early diagnosis and initiation of prompt
medical treatment appear to be important to achieving better long-term
prognosis.Several antiepileptic drugs have been reported to be beneficial in
treating this syndrome. These include valproic acid (valproate sodium), diazepam,
ethosuximide, clobazam, and clonazepam. Reports on the efficacy of lamotrigine,
sultiame, felbamate, nicardipine, vigabatrin, levetiracetam, vagal nerve
stimulation, and a ketogenic diet are few and more experience is needed.
Carbamazepine and possibly phenobarbital and phenytoin have been reported to
occasionally exacerbate the syndrome. As initial therapy, valproic acid or
diazepam is often empirically chosen. Subsequently, other antiepileptic drugs,
corticosteroids, or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy are often used.
Corticosteroid therapy should probably not be delayed more than 1-2 months after
the initial diagnosis. Various corticosteroid regimens including oral prednisone
and, recently, high doses of intravenous pulse corticosteroids, as well as
corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) have been reported to be effective in
LKS. Oral corticosteroids are used more often and usually need to be maintained
for a long period of time to prevent relapses. The use of IVIG has been
associated with an initial dramatic response in only a few patients. In our
experience, a long-term worthwhile improvement has been noted in only 2 of 11
patients. These two patients had an immediate response to IVIG initially and
after relapses before eventually achieving a long-term sustained
remission.Surgical treatment by multiple subpial transection, which is reserved
for patients who have not responded to multiple medical therapies, has been
followed in selected cases by a marked improvement in language skills and
behavior. However, a widely accepted consensus about suitable candidates for this
surgery and about its efficacy is still lacking.Speech therapy, including sign
language, and a number of classroom and behavioral interventions are helpful in
managing LKS, and should be used in all patients.