Electroretinogram as a Screening Tool to Assess Vigabatrin-Induced Retinal Toxicity in Children With Infantile Spasms

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the utility of electroretinogram (ERG) as a screening tool for vigabatrin-induced retinal toxicity in children with infantile spasms. Methods: This was an observational cohort study including children with infantile spasms receiving treatment with vigabatrin. A 30-Hz flicker potential ERG, using the RETeval system (LKC Technologies), was done at baseline before starting vigabatrin at 6 months and 1 year. The amplitudes were recorded. Results: Eleven children were included in the study. The most common etiologic factor for infantile spasms was tuberous sclerosis (36.4%) followed by West syndrome (27.3%). The mean age of the children was 7.14 ± 2.9 months, with a range of 3 to 16 months. The mean difference in amplitude was 3.21 ± 2.45 and 5.72 ± 4.18 µV at 6 and 12 months follow-up, respectively ( P < .001). Eight of the 11 children (72.7%) showed vigabatrin-induced retinal toxicity, and all 8 children were receiving vigabatrin for more than 6 months. Conclusions: ERG can be used for vigabatrin-induced retinal toxicity monitoring in children with infantile spasms. Vigabatrin-induced retinal toxicity is related to the duration of treatment rather than cumulative dosage. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 2024;61(4):273–278.]