The effects of levetiracetam on cognition: a non-interventional surveillance study |
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Authors: | Helmstaedter Christoph Witt Juri-Alexander |
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Affiliation: | aUniversity Clinic of Epileptology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany |
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Abstract: | Objective and subjective cognitive measures were evaluated in 401 patients before and 3 and 6 months after introducing levetiracetam (LEV). Initially, cognitive impairment was indicated in 37–44% of the patients, and subjective impairments in 32–67%. With LEV, 87% of untreated patients changed to monotherapy, and 94% changed from mono- to polytherapy. The rate of retention of LEV was 97%; adverse events were reported by 7%. Under LEV, 36% achieved early seizure control, 25% achieved late seizure control, 33% continued to have seizures, and 7% had a relapse. Very good tolerance was reported by 68%, and cognitive improvement by 58%. Objective improvement was significant in 23–29% of the patients; 5–6% deteriorated. Better baseline scores, later-onset epilepsies, fewer initial antiepileptic drugs, and seizure control were predictive of a better cognitive outcome. Considering the uncontrolled study design and the increase in total drug load, LEV appeared safe and efficacious, and a general subjective and objective cognitive improvement could be noted. However, a controlled study design would be required to attribute these improvements to a specific drug action. |
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Keywords: | Cognition Levetiracetam Epilepsy Antiepileptic drug Cognitive side effects EpiTrack EpiScope Seizure control Non-interventional surveillance study |
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