Yuxin Zhang1, Qiongxiang Zhai, Zhihong Tang, Muqing Zhuo. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, 510080, Guangdong, China. E-mail: Baby20050218@163.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in 24-hour video electroencephalogram (EEG) and epileptic attacks after levetiracetam add-on therapy in children with frontal lobe epilepsy and epileptiform discharges. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 105 children with the frontal lobe epilepsy who received long-term treatment with 1 or 2 types of antiepileptic drug but still with epileptiform discharges in ECG. Levetiracetam add-on therapy was administered at the initial daily dose of 20 mg/kg (given in 2 doses) for 2 weeks followed by an increase of the dose to 30 mg/kg with a maintenance dose of 30-40 mg/kg. The changes in seizure attacks and 24-hour video-EEG monitoring after a 6-month therapy were observed. RESULTS: Levetiracetam add-on therapy reduced epileptiform discharges in 55 children (52.3%) and resulted in significant changes in EEG (P<0.05). Of the 77 children with clinical seizures, complete seizure control was achieved in 12 cases after the therapy, and the seizure attacks were reduced in 28 cases, showing a total response rate of 51.9%; the reduction in seizure attacks was positively correlated with EEG improvement (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Levetiracetam add-on therapy can decrease epileptiform discharges in EEG and reduce clinical seizure attacks in children with frontal lobe epilepsy with only mild adverse reactions.
OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in 24-hour video electroencephalogram (EEG) and epileptic attacks after levetiracetam add-on therapy in children with frontal lobe epilepsy and epileptiform discharges. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 105 children with the frontal lobe epilepsy who received long-term treatment with 1 or 2 types of antiepileptic drug but still with epileptiform discharges in ECG. Levetiracetam add-on therapy was administered at the initial daily dose of 20 mg/kg (given in 2 doses) for 2 weeks followed by an increase of the dose to 30 mg/kg with a maintenance dose of 30-40 mg/kg. The changes in seizure attacks and 24-hour video-EEG monitoring after a 6-month therapy were observed. RESULTS:Levetiracetam add-on therapy reduced epileptiform discharges in 55 children (52.3%) and resulted in significant changes in EEG (P<0.05). Of the 77 children with clinical seizures, complete seizure control was achieved in 12 cases after the therapy, and the seizure attacks were reduced in 28 cases, showing a total response rate of 51.9%; the reduction in seizure attacks was positively correlated with EEG improvement (P<0.001). CONCLUSION:Levetiracetam add-on therapy can decrease epileptiform discharges in EEG and reduce clinical seizure attacks in children with frontal lobe epilepsy with only mild adverse reactions.