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Use of brivaracetam in genetic generalized epilepsies and for acute, intravenous treatment of absence status epilepticus
Author(s) -
Strzelczyk Adam,
Kay Lara,
Bauer Sebastian,
Immisch Ilka,
Klein Karl Martin,
Knake Susanne,
Kowski Alexander,
Kunz Rhina,
Kurlemann Gerhard,
Langenbruch Lisa,
Möddel Gabriel,
MüllerSchlüter Karen,
Reif Philipp S.,
SchubertBast Susanne,
Steinhoff Bernhard J.,
Steinig Isabel,
Willems Laurent M.,
Podewils Felix,
Rosenow Felix
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/epi.14476
Subject(s) - status epilepticus , medicine , epilepsy , intensive care medicine , psychiatry
Summary Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness, retention, and tolerability of brivaracetam ( BRV ) in genetic generalized epilepsies ( GGE ) in clinical practice. Methods A multicenter, retrospective cohort study recruiting all patients that started BRV in 2016 and 2017. Results A total of 61 patients (mean age = 29.8, range = 9‐90 years, 41 female [67%]) were treated with BRV . They were difficult to control, with 2.4 failed antiepileptic drugs ( AED s) in the past, taking 1.9 AED s on average at baseline. The length of exposure to BRV ranged from 7 days to 24 months, with a mean retention time of 7.9 months, resulting in a total exposure time to BRV of 483 months. The retention rate was 82% at 3 months and 69% at 6 months. Efficacy at 3 months was 36% (50% responder rate), with 25% seizure‐free for 3 months. Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy showed a responder rate of 60%, with 40% being free of any seizures. Long‐term 50% responder rate was present in 17 patients (28%; 11 seizure‐free [18%]) for >6 months and in 14 patients (23%; 10 seizure‐free [16%]) for >12 months. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were observed in 26% of the patients, with the most common being somnolence, ataxia, and psychobehavioral adverse events. Use of intravenous BRV with bolus injection of 200‐300 mg in two females with absence status epilepticus was well tolerated, but did not result in cessation of status epilepticus. Significance Use of BRV in GGE is well tolerated, and 50% responder rates are similar to those observed in the regulatory trials for focal epilepsies. An immediate switch from levetiracetam ( LEV ) to BRV at a ratio of 15:1 is feasible. The occurrence of psychobehavioral adverse events seems less prominent than under LEV , and a switch to BRV can be considered in patients with LEV ‐induced adverse events.