Levetiracetam and partial seizure subtypes: pooled data from three randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of levetiracetam (LEV) on partial seizure subtypes (simple partial, complex partial, and secondarily generalized seizures) in patients with refractory epilepsy.


METHODS
Pooled results from three placebo-controlled trials were analyzed.


RESULTS
A statistically significant reduction in the frequency of all partial seizures and all seizure subtypes was observed in the LEV group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo). The proportion of patients in whom secondarily generalized seizures could be prevented over and above the reduction of partial seizures was significantly greater in the LEV group as compared with placebo, with an odds ratio of 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-3.05]. CONCLUSIONS; LEV reduces frequency of simple and complex partial seizures. In addition, it demonstrates a specific, independent reduction of secondarily generalized seizures.
Leppik
Ilo E
IE
MINCEP Epilepsy Care and University of Minnesota, 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 255, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA. mincepmail@mincep.com
Biton
Victor
V
Sander
Josemir W A
JW
Wieser
Heinz Gregor
HG
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam