Levetiracetam in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: long-term efficacy in newly diagnosed adolescents.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The study group consisted of 32 patients with epilepsy (20 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 13 years 3 months (SD 7y 11mo) at seizure onset. LEV was administered as the first drug; all patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months. The dose that achieved seizure control ranged from 1000 to 2500mg/daily. At 6-month evaluation: 15 patients were seizure free; 14 patients were responders (>50% reduction in seizures); and three patients had marginal effects (<50% reduction of seizures). At 12-month evaluation: 29 patients were seizure free; three patients were responders. No patients reported adverse events. These data provide preliminary evidence that LEV may be effective for treating patients with newly diagnosed JME.
Verrotti
Alberto
A
Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Rome, Italy.
Cerminara
Caterina
C
Coppola
Giangennaro
G
Franzoni
Emilio
E
Parisi
Pasquale
P
Iannetti
Paola
P
Aloisi
Paolo
P
Tozzi
Elisabetta
E
Cusmai
Raffaella
R
Vigevano
Federico
F
Chiarelli
Francesco
F
Curatolo
Paolo
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D020190:Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010889:Piracetam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam