A prospective analysis of the outcome of levetiracetam in clinical practice.
In this postlicensing surveillance study in a large unselected population, data were collected prospectively on all patients prescribed levetiracetam (LEV) at a regional epilepsy clinic over a 2-year period. Two hundred forty-five (69.2%) patients remained on LEV, with 8.8% achieving remission and some improvement in seizure control in 49.3%. Sedation was the most common adverse effect (10.7%), but mood disturbance was more likely to lead to discontinuation (4.8%). Cumulative probability of remaining on LEV at 12 months was 0.74 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.79). Factors predictive of a poorer retention were a greater number of previous antiepileptic drugs and a faster initial titration regimen.
Department of Neurology, Hope Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD, UK. andrew@nicolson71.freeserve.co.uk
Andrew
A
Nicolson
Sheila A
SA
Lewis
David F
DF
Smith
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010889:Piracetam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012074:Remission Induction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam