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Document Type |
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Article In Journal |
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Document Title |
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Levetiracetam in intractable childhood onset epilepsy Levetiracetam in intractable childhood onset epilepsy |
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Document Language |
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English |
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Abstract |
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Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED), which has a mechanism of action distinct from that of other
AEDs suggesting a potentially valuable therapeutic profile. Our objective is to report our experience in treating children with
intractable epilepsy. Prospective, open label, add on trial of LEV in treating consecutive children with intractable epilepsy (defined
as recurrent seizures after at least three antiepileptic medication trials). Follow up by one pediatric neurologist was performed.
Therapeutic response was recorded as complete (no seizures), good (> 50% seizure reduction), fair (< 50% seizure reduction), or
none. Thirty children (58% males) aged 15 months-15 years (mean 5.8 years, SD 3.9) were included. Most children (80%) had
daily seizures, were tried on multiple AEDs (mean 4.7, SD 1.5), and had cognitive deficits (86%). The epilepsy was symptomatic
in 64%. The mean LEV dose was 41 mg/kg/day and the children were followed for 4–8 months (median 5 months, SD 2.5).
After the introduction of LEV, six (20%) children became completely seizure free and 43% had > 50% seizure reduction. The
percentage of children with daily seizure was reduced from 80% before LEV to 27% afterward (P <0.0001). Side effects were
reported in 10 (33%) children in the form of decreased appetite, irritability, sedation, and seizure worsening. The majority were
transient, however, LEV had to be withdrawn in four (13%) children because of lack of efficacy or seizure worsening. LEV is
a novel AED with a broad spectrum of antiepileptic efficacy. The drug was well tolerated and most side effects were transient.
However, larger controlled studies are needed in young children to establish the long-term efficacy and safety |
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ISSN |
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1304-2580 |
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Journal Name |
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Journal of Pediatric Neurology |
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Volume |
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4 |
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Issue Number |
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2 |
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Publishing Year |
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1427 AH
2006 AD |
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Article Type |
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Article |
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Added Date |
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Saturday, May 10, 2008 |
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Researchers
| محمد جان | Jan, Mohammed | Researcher | Doctorate | |
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Files
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Levitiracetam_paper.pdf
| pdf | مشاهدة المقالة العلمية كاملة |
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