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Levetiracetam in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: long‐term efficacy in newly diagnosed adolescents
Author(s) -
Verrotti Alberto,
Cerminara Caterina,
Coppola Giangennaro,
Franzoni Emilio,
Parisi Pasquale,
Iannetti Paola,
Aloisi Paolo,
Tozzi Elisabetta,
Cusmai Raffaella,
Vigevano Federico,
Chiarelli Francesco,
Curatolo Paolo
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.02009.x
Subject(s) - juvenile myoclonic epilepsy , levetiracetam , tolerability , epilepsy , medicine , pediatrics , adverse effect , idiopathic generalized epilepsy , anesthesia , psychiatry
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.