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Effect of Levetiracetam on Epilepsy‐Related Quality of Life
Author(s) -
Cramer Joyce A.,
Arrigo Celestina,
Hammée Geneviève,
Gauer Laura J.,
Cereghino James J.
Publication year - 2000
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/j.1528-1157.2000.tb00255.x
Subject(s) - levetiracetam , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , epilepsy , worry , placebo , randomization , pediatrics , partial seizures , randomized controlled trial , anxiety , psychiatry , alternative medicine , nursing , pathology
Summary:Purpose : To evaluate the short‐term effect of levetiracetam (LEV; UCB L059) as add‐on therapy on health‐related quality of life in the treatment of refractory partial‐onset seizures. Methods : Patients were enrolled in protocol UCB N132 if they had 12 partial‐onset seizures with or without secondary generalization during the 12‐week baseline period with a minimum of two seizures every 4 weeks. Randomization was made to placebo, LEV 1,000 mg, or LEV 3,000 mg, with sample size based on seizure frequency reduction. The 31‐item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) questionnaire was completed by 246 patients at the end of baseline and at 18‐week follow‐up, or earlier if withdrawn. Results : Significant differences were found among the three treatment groups for Seizure Worry (p = 0.0003), Overall Quality of Life (p = 0.04), and Cognitive Functioning domains (p = 0.01), as well as the Total Score (p = 0.009). Responders (50% partial onset seizure reduction) had significant improvements in all areas, except Medication Effect, compared with nonresponders (all p > 0.006). Clinically noticeable improvement (10% change from baseline to follow‐up) was perceived by LEV 3,000 mg responders in all areas, except Emotional Well‐Being, by LEV 1,000 mg responders in 5 of 9 areas, and by placebo responders in 2 of 9 areas. Conclusions : Addition of LEV to standard medication seems to have a positive impact on health‐related quality of life, particularly among responders in this short‐term study. These exploratory analyses require additional studies to evaluate long‐term changes in a larger population.