Perfil de prescripción de levetiracetam en niños menores de cuatro años atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Chile / Levetiracetam prescription profile in children younger than 4 years treated at a tertiary care hospital in Chile

Introducción. El levetiracetam (LEV) es un antiepiléptico aprobado por el Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile como terapia concomitante en crisis epilépticas en niños mayores de cuatro años. Sin embargo, es ampliamente indicado desde el periodo neonatal, lo que hace necesario evaluar su utilización fuera de ficha técnica. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil de prescripción-indicación de LEV en el tratamiento de las crisis epilépticas en menores de cuatro años en un hospital de alta complejidad del sur de Chile. Población y método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de quienes iniciaron tratamiento con LEV entre 2014 y 2019, y se recopilaron datos sobre variables sociodemográficas, farmacológicas y clínicas. El análisis se basó en la descripción del perfil de los pacientes, prescripción, seguimiento y seguridad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 68 pacientes: 40 (58,8 %) de sexo masculino, 49 (72,1 %) con edad gestacional ≥ 37 semanas. La etiología principal de la epilepsia fue de tipo estructural (35,3 %); el LEV se utilizó principalmente en niños diagnosticados con malformación del sistema nervioso central (17,6 %) y predominó la monoterapia (55,9 %). En el 50 % se usó LEV para crisis focales. Cinco niños (7,3 %) presentaron trastornos de tipo psiquiátrico clasificados como probables reacciones adversas al medicamento. Conclusión. El LEV se utilizó en niños con diferentes diagnósticos con baja frecuencia de eventos adversos. El perfil de utilización varió en los diferentes grupos etarios. Es necesario identificar en futuros estudios la efectividad especialmente en el recién nacido y en epilepsias refractarias.

Introduction. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug approved by the Chilean Institute of Public Health as concomitant therapy for epileptic seizures in children older than 4 years of age. However, it is widely prescribed from the neonatal period, which makes it necessary to evaluate its off-label use. Objective. To determine the prescription-indication profile of LEV in the treatment of epileptic seizures in children younger than 4 years in a tertiary care hospital in southern Chile. Population and method. Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. The medical records of patients who started treatment with LEV between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed, and data on sociodemographic, pharmacological, and clinical variables were collected. The analysis was based on the description of the profile of patients, prescriptions, follow-up, and safety. Results. A total of 68 patients were included: 40 (58.8%) were males, 49 (72.1%) were born at a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks. The main etiology of epilepsy was structural (35.3%); LEV was mostly used in children diagnosed with central nervous system malformation (17.6%), and monotherapy was the prevailing dosage (55.9%). LEV was used for focal seizures in 50% of cases. Five children (7.3%) had psychiatric disorders, classified as probable adverse drug reactions. Conclusion. LEV was used in children with various diagnoses, with a low rate of adverse events. The profile of drug use varied in the different age groups. Future studies are needed to identify effectiveness, especially in newborn infants and patients with refractory epilepsy.

Research progress in therapy drug monitoring of levetiracetam / 中国药房

Levetiracetam （LEV） is the second generation of broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug. LEV has the advantages of rapid absorption， short half-life， precise efficacy， good tolerance and few drug interactions. In order to improve the clinical efficacy of LEV， and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions， children， pregnant women， the elderly， and patients with renal insufficiency should receive therapeutic drug monitoring （TDM）. Clinically， the samples are usually plasma or serum， and the TDM methods are mostly immunoassay or chromatography. There is currently no consensus on the effective concentration range of LEV， and the correlation between plasma concentration and adverse reactions is also unclear. The main factors affecting LEV plasma concentration include age， pregnancy， and patient compliance. How to interpret TDM results and adjust dosage based on the results will be the focus of future work.

Study on the compatibility between pharmaceutical excipient polyethylene glycol 6000 and antiepileptic active pharmaceutical ingredients levetiracetam / 中国药师

Objective To investigate the compatibility between antiepileptic active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)levetiracetam and binder polyethylene glycol 6000,and provide a basis for evaluating and ensuring the safety of drugs.Methods Levetiracetam and polyethylene glycol 6000 from different producers were mixed in a certain proportion,and placed under different conditions according to the test method of stability influencing factors.The compatibility of levetiracetam and polyethylene glycol 6000 was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and HPLC,respectively,and the thermal variations,changes of levetiracetam appearance and related substances were investigated.Results After being placed under high humidity(relative humidity of 90％)and light(4 500 Lx)for 10 days,the compatibility between API and pharmaceutical excipients was proved good,while under the conditions of high temperature of 50℃ and 60℃,polyethylene glycol 6000 interacted with levetiracetam,resulting in the growth of levetiracetam related substances including impurity A and total amount of impurities,along with the production of two unknown impurities.Polyethylene glycol 6000 from different producers and different batches had different effects on the related substances of levetiracetam.Conclusion There is a risk of compatibility between levetiracetam and polyethylene glycol 6000 under elevated temperatures,and it is recommended that preparation producers optimize product prescriptions and improve the quality and safety of drugs.

Comparison of effectiveness,safety,and economy of generic and original levetiracetam concentrated solution for injection:a real-world study / 药物流行病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness,safety and economy of the clinical application of levetiracetam(LEV)concentrated solution for injection generic drug and the original drug in the national centralized volume-based procurement.Methods The information of inpatients using original LEV concentrated solution for injection in the Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University(original drug group)and inpatients using generic LEV concentrated solution for injection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College(generic drug group)was retrospectively analyzed after the implementation of the procurement policy(from November 2021 to March 2022).To compare the effectiveness,safety and economy of the two in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.Results In the original drug group and the generic drug group,18 and 17 patients were enrolled in the treatment of epilepsy respectively,the effective rates were 50.00％and 58.82％,the incidence of adverse reactions were both 0％,and the median daily cost was 255.00(255.00,510.00)yuan and 131.78(131.78,131.78)yuan.After propensity score matching,both the original drug group and the generic drug group had 76 patients each received preventive medication,the effective rates were 97.37％and 100％(P＞0.05),and the incidence of adverse reactions were both 0％.The median daily fee for the original the generic drug group was 170.00(170.00,170.00)yuan and 131.78(131.78,131.78)yuan,there were significant difference(P＜0.01).Conclusion The clinical effect of generic and original LEV concentrated solution for injection in preventing epilepsy is basically the same,the clinical safety are equivalent,the generic has better economy than the original.The effective rate of the treatment of epilepsy is similar,while the sample size needs to be further expanded to verify the results.

Effect of levetiracetam on ocular perfusion measure with optical coherence tomography angiography / Efeito do levetiracetam na medição da pressão de perfusão ocular com angiotomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate using optical coherence tomography angiography the macular and optic nerve head blood flow in pediatric patients with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam for at least 12 months. Methods: This study included 33 pediatric patients with epilepsy and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteer children were included in the study. Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to evaluate the optic nerve head and macular perfusion changes. The mean ocular perfusion pressures were also calculated. Patients who were using multiple antiepileptic drugs or had a prior history of using different drugs were excluded. Results: The choriocapillaris flow area was significantly lower in the Study Group than in the Control Group (p=0.006). However, the foveal avascular zone and vessel densities of the macula in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and optic nerve head of the study group were not significantly different from those of the control group (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant difference in means of mean ocular perfusion pressure was found between the two groups (p=0.211). No obvious correlation was found between treatment duration and optical coherence tomography angiography parameters or mean ocular perfusion pressure. Conclusion: Choroidal perfusion was reduced in children taking levetiracetam compared with that in the control group, whereas retinal perfusion was not affected in this optical coherence tomography angiography study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar através de angiotomografia de coerência óptica o fluxo sanguíneo macular e da cabeça do nervo óptico em pacientes pediátricos com epilepsia tratados com levetiracetam por pelo menos 12 meses. Método: Trinta e três pacientes pediátricos com epilepsia e 30 crianças voluntárias saudáveis pareadas por sexo e idade foram incluídos no estudo. A angiotomografia de coerência óptica foi utilizada para avaliar as alterações da perfusão da cabeça do nervo óptico e da macular. As médias das pressões de perfusão ocular também foram calculadas. Pacientes em uso de múltiplas drogas antiepilépticas ou com história prévia de uso de diferentes drogas foram excluídos do estudo. Resultado: A área do fluxo coriocapilar foi significativamente menor no Grupo Estudo do que no Grupo Controle (p=0,006). Entretanto, a zona avascular foveal e as densidades vasculares no plexo capilar superficial e profundo da região macular e na cabeça do nervo óptico não foram significativamente diferentes daquelas de olhos saudáveis (p>0,05). Também não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos em relação às médias da pressão de perfusão ocular (p=0,211). Nenhuma correlação aparente foi encontrada entre a duração do tratamento e os parâmetros da angiotomografia de coerência óptica ou a média da pressão de perfusão ocular. Conclusão: Em crianças usando levetiracetam, a perfusão coroidal mostrou-se reduzida em comparação ao grupo controle, enquanto a perfusão retiniana não foi afetada neste estudo com angiotomografia de coerência óptica.

Mioclonías positivas y negativas en paciente con enfermedad renal crónica / Positive and negative myoclonus in a patient with end stage renal disease

Introducción: Las mioclonías son contracciones musculares paroxísticas de corta duración o pérdida abrupta del tono muscular, denominadas mioclonías positivas y negativas, respectivamente. Se presenta un caso clínico de mioclonías positivas y negativas generalizadas y se pretende describir los múltiples mecanismos fisiopatológicos y etiologías que lo desencadenan. Presentación del caso: Hombre de 35 años, con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 complicada con enfermedad renal diabética en hemodiálisis, desarrolló una bacteriemia asociada a catéter por Staphylococcus aureus y presentó mioclonías positivas y negativas. Se identificaron como posibles desencadenantes la uremia, la infección y los fármacos con potencial promioclónico; el hallazgo incidental de una lesión isquémica en núcleo caudado no explicaba la semiología encontrada en el paciente. Se hizo el control y retiro de todos los factores promioclónicos enunciados, junto a manejo farmacológico con levetiracetam, y con ello se logró el control de los síntomas. Discusión: Los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica son susceptibles a la acumulación de productos tóxicos de tipo guanidinas, que tienen potencial para producir mioclonías. Además, las infecciones, el uso de fármacos con potencial promioclónico y lesiones estructurales como las isquemias corticales son etiologías que deben considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial. El mayor impacto en los síntomas se observa con el control del factor desencadenante, y, en caso de persistir, la terapia farmacológica proporciona buenos resultados. Conclusión: Las mioclonías son trastornos del movimiento relativamente comunes en la enfermedad renal crónica. La identificación del desencadenante es crucial para su manejo junto al uso de fármacos con actividad antimioclónica.

Introduction: Myoclonus are paroxysmal muscle contractions of short duration or abrupt loss of muscle tone, called positive and negative myoclonus respectively. A clinical case of generalized positive and negative myoclonus is presented and the aim is to describe the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms and etiologies that trigger it. Case presentation: A 35-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic kidney disease on hemodialysis developed catheter-associated bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus and presented positive and negative myoclonus. Uremia, infection, and drugs with pro-myoclonic potential were identified as possible triggers; The incidental finding of an ischemic lesion in the caudate nucleus did not explain the semiology found in the patient. The control and removal of all the pro-myoclonic factors mentioned was carried out, along with pharmacological management with levetiracetam, thus achieving control of the symptoms. Discussion: Patients with chronic kidney disease are susceptible to the accumulation of guanidine-type toxic products, which have the potential to produce myoclonus. Furthermore, infections, the use of drugs with pro-myoclonic potential and structural lesions such as cortical ischemia are etiologies that should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The greatest impact on symptoms is observed with the control of the triggering factor and if it persists, pharmacological therapy provides good results. Conclusion: Myoclonus are relatively common movement disorders in chronic kidney disease. Identification of the trigger is crucial for its management along with the use of drugs with anti-myoclonic activity.

Treatment of Seizures in the Neonate: Special Report From the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures, 2022

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) task force on neonatal seizures has recently published draft guidelines and consensusbased recommendations on the treatment of neonatal seizures. This update provides a summary of the recommendations and the changes in management compared to the previous WHO ILAE guidelines, published in 2011, with emphasis on practical decision making requirements for a pediatrician.

A Rare Case Report of “Torsades De Pointes” Induced by Fluconazole-Levetiracetam Combined Therapy

Drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease as well as those used in the treatment of multiple other conditions can occasionally produce exaggerated prolongation of the QT interval on the surface electrocardiogram and the morphologically distinctive polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that results is known as «torsade de pointe». «Torsade de pointe» (TDP) is a characteristic polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia associated with delayed ventricular repolarization as evidenced on the surface electrocardiogram by QT interval prolongation. It typically occurs in self-limiting bursts, causing dizziness and syncope, but may occasionally progress to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. This rare case report showed the potential higher risk of the occurrences of «Tdp» when levetiracetam (KEPPRA) was used in combination therapy with fluconazole, which is already a known medication with the risk of causing polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia.

Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam versus valproic acid in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy：a meta analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam versus valproic acid in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy， and to provide evidence-based reference. METHODS The databases including CNKI， VIP， China Biomedical Literature Database， Wanfang data， PubMed， Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for the RCTs about levetiracetam （trial group） and valproic acid （control group） were collected from the inception to October 1st， 2021. After literature screening and data extraction， the quality of included literature was evaluated using the bias risk assessment tool recommended by Cochrane system evaluator manual 5.1.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used for meta-analysis， sensitivity analysis and bias risk analysis. RESULTS A total of 33 RCTs were included， involving 3 116 patients in total. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the effective rate of trial group was significantly higher than control group [RR＝1.06， 95%CI （1.02， 1.11）， P＝0.003]. The subgroup analysis according to different courses of treatment showed that there was no statistical significance in the effective rate between 2 groups after 1 and 3 months of treatment （P＞0.05）； after 6 months of treatment， the effective rate of trial group was significantly higher than that of control group （P＜0.05）. The incidence of adverse drug reaction in trial group was significantly lower than control group [RR＝0.50， 95%CI （0.41， 0.61）， P＜0.000 01]； among specific adverse drug reactions， the incidence of nausea and vomiting in trial group was significantly lower than control group （P＜0.05）； but there was no statistical significance in the incidence of rash， drowsiness， abnormal mood， loss of appetite， dizziness or headache （P＞0.05）. Results of sensitivity analysis showed that study results were stable and reliable. Results of publication bias analysis showed that there was little possibility of publication bias in this study. CONCLUSIONS The short-term efficacy （1， 3 months） of LEV is similar to that of VPA in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy， but long-term efficacy （6 months） of LEV is better than that of VPA； moreover， LEV shows better safety in digestive system.

Effects of plateau hypoxia on pharmacokinetic parameters and cerebral-blood distribution of levetiracetam in rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:Plateau hypoxia exposure causes changes in pharmacokinetic parameters and cerebral-blood distribution of drugs,including many substrates of P-glycoprotein(P-gp).Levetiracetam,a kind of antiepileptic drugs,is a substrate of P-gp.Whether plateau hypoxia exposure changes its pharmacokinetic characteristics and cerebral-blood distribution remains unclear.This study aims to investigate the effects of plateau hypoxia on the pharmacokinetics and cerebra-blood distribution of levetiracetam. Methods:Wistar rats were divided into a low-altitude control group,a high-altitude group,a solvent group,and a P-gp induction group.After 24 h of exposure at altitude of 4 010 m,rats in the high-altitude group were given levetiracetam orally or intravenously.The plasma was respectively collected at 0.083,0.25,0.5,0.83,1.25,2,4,6,8,10,12,and 24 h after oral administration of the drug,while both plasma and brain were respectively collected at 5,45,60,120 and 240 min after intravenous injection.After 3 days administration of dexamethasone,plasma and brain of rats in the P-gp induction group were collected at 120 min after intravenously giving levetiracetam.Plasma and brain concentrations of the drug were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).The expression of P-gp in blood-brain barrier was detected by Western blotting. Results:Compared with the low-altitude control group,the area under the curve(AUC)and mean residence time(MRT)of levetiracetam were respectively decreased by 14.69%(P<0.01)and 15.42%(P<0.01),while the clearance(CL)was increased by 16.67%(P<0.01)in the high-altitude group.The ratio of brain/blood plasma drug concentration was decreased by 22.82%(P<0.05),12.42%(P<0.05),17.40%(P<0.01),and 13.22%(P<0.01)at 5,45,120,and 240 min after injection,respectively.The expression of P-gp on the blood-brain barrier was increased by 86.3%(P<0.05).Compared with the solvent control group,the expression of P-gp on the blood-brain barrier in the P-gp induction group was increased by 56.3%(P<0.05),the ratio of brain/blood plasma drug concentration was decreased by 19.3%(P<0.05). Conclusion:After acute plateau hypoxia exposure,the pharmacokinetic of levetiracetam in rats are altered,and the cerebral-blood distribution of the drug in rats is decreased,which may be related to the up-regulation of P-gp expression on the blood-brain barrier.

The effects of Oxcarbazepine, Lamotrigine and Levetiracetam on cognitive function of children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and cognitive function of 3 new antiepileptic drugs Oxcarbazepine (OXC), Lamotrigine (LTG) and Levetiracetam (LEV) in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS).Methods:This was a prospective study.A total of 98 children with SeLECTS who were treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from January 2014 to June 2020 were divided into OXC group, LTG group and LEV group according to the applied therapeutic drugs.Video electroencephalograph (EEG), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and event-related potentials (ERPs) of the children were collected before treatment and 48 weeks of treatment.Clinical efficacy and impact on cognitive function among the 3 groups were compared.Results:(1)Efficacy: There was no significant difference in the effective rate of seizure reduction after treatment among the 3 groups( χ2=0.808, P=0.668). There was no significant difference in EEG remission rate among the 3 groups( χ2=0.763, P=0.683). (2)Cognitive function: ①Intragroup comparison of WISC findings showed that the full scale score (FIQ) and verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) were significantly enhanced, and the scores of comprehension, vocabulary, arithmetic, decoding and spelling subtests were more significantly enhanced in OXC group after treatment (all P<0.05). In the LTG group, FIQ, VIQ and operational intelligence quotient (PIQ) were significantly enhanced after treatment (all P<0.05), and the subtest scores of comprehension, vocabulary, arithmetic, mapping and layout were significantly enhanced (all P<0.05). In LEV group, FIQ, VIQ and PIQ were significantly enhanced after treatment (all P<0.05), especially the increase in the VIQ, and the scores of vocabulary, understanding, similarity, arithmetic, decoding and puzzle subtests were significantly enhanced (all P<0.05). Pairwise comparison of WISC findings showed that there were no significant differences in the FIQ, VIQ, PIQ and subtest scores before treatment among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the arithmetic and decoding scores of OXC group were significantly higher than those of LTG group (all P<0.05), which were comparable between OXC group and LEV group (all P>0.05). The PIQ and the scores of mapping and layout in LTG group were significantly higher than those of the other 2 groups (all P<0.05). The LEV group had higher scores in vocabulary, comprehension and spelling than those of the other 2 groups (all P<0.05), which had higher decoding scores than those of the LTG group (all P<0.05). No significant differences were found in decoding scores between LEV and OXC group (all P>0.05). Higher VIQ and FIQ were detected in LEV group than those of the other 2 groups (all P<0.05). ②Intragroup comparison of ERPs showed that the latency of LEV group after treatment was significantly shorter than that before treatment ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the other 2 groups before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Pairwise comparison of ERPs showed that before treatment, there were no significant differences in P300 amplitude and latency among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the latency of LEV group was significantly shorter than that of the other 2 groups ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the amplitude between the 3 groups before and after treatment ( P>0.05). Conclusions:(1)In the treatment of SeLECTS in children, OXC, LTG and LEV have reliable and equivalent effects.(2)OXC, LTG and LEV have protective effects on cognitive function in children with SeLECTS.After treatment, LEV provides the strongest protective effect on FIQ, and the protective effect on VIQ is equivalent to OXC, but better than LTG.LTG is superior in protecting spatial perception and PIQ.

Clinical and genotypic characteristics of 19 children with STXBP1-encephalopathy / 中国现代医生

Objective To summarize the clinical phenotype and gene mutation characteristics of early epileptic encephalopathy caused by STXBP1 gene mutation and the application of second-generation gene sequencing in etiological diagnosis.Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics,gene test results,treatment and efficacy of 19 children with epileptic encephalopathy with genetic diagnosis of STXBP1 gene mutation who were seen in the Department of Pediatrics of the Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2017 to January 2021.Results The disease started within 1 month after birth in 15 children(78.9%).All 19 children had significant electro-encephalo gram(EEG)changes:13 cases of burst suppression(68.4%)and high arrhythmia in 12 cases(63.2%).A total of 18 pathogenic variants were detected in 19 children,all of them new,of which 7 loci have not been reported so far.Five children were diagnosed with Otahara syndrome,five with infantile spasms,and nine with an epileptic syndrome that could not be classified.At a follow-up of 6 months to 4 years and 5 months,1 case was discontinued,5 cases had complete remission of seizures,6 cases had partial remission,and 7 cases were ineffective.8 of the 12 children with seizure remission or control were treated effectively with combination levetiracetam,4 of the 6 children with spasms responded with the addition of vigabatrin,and 7 presented with drug refractory epilepsy.All 19 children had varying degrees of developmental delay.Conclusion Mental-motor retardation and recurrent seizures are the main,independent phenotypic features of STXBP1-encephalopathy,STXBP1 gene variants are predominantly de novo variants,second-generation gene sequencing diagnosis helps in the early diagnosis of STXBP1-encephalopathy,levetiracetam and aminocaproic acid may be partially effective in controlling seizures in STXBP1-encephalopathy,and ketogenic diet provides new ideas for early-onset epileptic encephalopathy treatment provides a new idea.

Levetiracetam plus Oxcarbazepine Combination Treatment Downregulates Serum Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Levels and Upregulates Neuropeptide Y Levels in Children with Epilepsy

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in predicting the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) plus oxcarbazepine (OXC) treatment administered to children with epilepsy and to determine their prognosis. Overall, 193 children with epilepsy admitted to the hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups according to different treatment methods: group A (n = 106, treated with LEV plus OXC combination) and group B (n = 87, treated with OXC only). After treatment, compared with group B, group A exhibited a remarkably higher total effective rate and a significantly lower total adverse reaction rate. Areas under the curve for MDR1 and NPY for predicting ineffective treatment were 0.867 and 0.834, whereas those for predicting epilepsy recurrence were 0.916 and 0.829, respectively. Electroencephalography abnormalities, intracranial hemorrhage, neonatal convulsion, premature delivery, and MDR1 and NPY levels were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in children with epilepsy. Serum MDR1 and NPY levels exhibited a high predictive value for early epilepsy diagnosis, treatment efficacy assessment, and prognostication in children with epilepsy treated with LEV plus OXC combination.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Levetiracetam in treating Neonatal Seizures in DHQ Hospital, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: evaluate the frequency of efficacy of Levetiracetam in treating seizures in neonates METHODOLOGY: In this descriptive observational study, we enrolled 110 cases from DHQ Hospital Kasur. We included all neonates of either gender, term cases, with seizures, loading dose of 50 mg/kg of intravenous levetiracetam was given at admission and maintained on a dose of 25 mg/kg every 12 hours. Outcome was measured in-terms of loss of EEG event within 72 hours of treatment and cessation of tonic, clonic seizures in ? 12hours. RESULTS: Out of 110 cases, 42.73%(n=47) were between 1-15 days of life and 57.27%(n=63) were between 16-28 days, 48.18%(n=53) were male and 51.82%(n=57) were females. The efficacy of the Levetiracetam in neonatal seizures was recorded in 62.73%(n=69) neonates. Conclusion: LEV is an effective drug for resolving neonatal seizures in our population.

Síndrome de reacción a medicamento con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (DRESS) asociado a levetiracetam: Reporte de caso

El síndrome de hipersensibilidad a medicamentos, con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (DRESS de sus siglas en inglés) es un síndrome muy infrecuente que se caracteriza por erupción dérmica, eosinofilia y compromiso sistémico. Inicialmente fue descrito asociado a medicamentos anticrisis (antiepilépticos), pero posteriormente ha sido descrito en asociación a otros medicamentos. Entre los medicamentos anticrisis, se ha descrito predominantemente su asociación a fármacos aromáticos o con estructura similar: fenitoína, carbamazepina, fenobarbital, oxcarbazepina y lamotrigina. Entre los medicamentos anticrisis no aromáticos, se ha descrito su presentación en algunos pacientes expuestos a gabapentina, zonisamida, valproato, rufinamida y raramente a levetiracetam. La severidad del síndrome se relaciona al tiempo de exposición al fármaco, por lo que su detección precoz es de vital importancia. Describimos el primer caso en nuestro país, de un paciente con DRESS inducido por levetiracetam y revisamos los infrecuentes reportes de DRESS en pacientes expuestos a levetiracetam descritos en la literatura.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a very rare syndrome characterized by skin rash, eosinophilia and systemic compromise. This was initially described in association with antiseizures drugs, but later it was described in association with other drugs. Among antiseizure drugs, it has been described association with aromatic drugs as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine; and non-aromatic antiseizure drugs as gabapentin, zonisamide, valproate, rufinamide and rarely to levetiracetam. The severity of the syndrome is related to the time of exposure to the drug, so early detection is of vital importance. We describe the first case in our country, of a patient with DRESS induced by levetiracetam, and we review the infrequent scientific reports of DRESS in patients exposed to levetiracetam.

Placement of Oral Formulations of Brivaracetam in Various Patient Profiles: An Indian Perspective

Brivaracetam (BRV), an analog of levetiracetam (LEV), lowers seizure frequency through a unique mechanism. Although BRV is approved for focal epilepsy in patients aged >1 month (by the US Food and Drug Administration) or >16 years (in India), clinical studies have suggested its potential role in other indications such as generalized seizures, secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and drug-resistant focal epilepsy, and in certain special populations. Here, we discuss the potential role of BRV in different patient populations and present expert opinions for positioning the pre-existing and newly available oral formulations of BRV to aid both clinicians and diverse patient groupswith a simple and easy dosing and titration-based treatment, including safe and effective switching from LEV to BRV.

Effects of levetiracetam combined with low-dose topiramate on bone and lipid metabolism in children with epilepsy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of levetiracetam combined with low-dose topiramate on epilepsy and its effects on bone metabolism and lipid metabolism in children.Methods:A total of 108 children with epilepsy who received treatment in the First People's Hospital of Yongkang from August 2016 to December 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly allocated to study and control groups ( n = 54/group). The study group was treated with levetiracetam combined with low-dose topiramate. The control group was treated with carbamazepine combined with low-dose topiramate. Before treatment and half a year after treatment, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, blood Ca 2+ and P 3- concentrations, and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined. Clinical efficacy was evaluated in each group. Results:Half a year after treatment, blood Ca 2+ concentration, blood P 3- concentration, and BMD in the study group were (2.41 ± 0.35) mmol/L, (1.57 ± 0.26) mmol/L, and (2.21 ± 0.52) g/cm2, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the control group [(2.19 ± 0.27) mmol/L, (1.18 ± 0.15) mmol/L, (1.81 ± 0.38) g/cm, tca2+ = 4.20, tbloodP3- = 5.73, tBMD = 6.42, all P < 0.05). ALP level was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group [(129.78 ± 25.63) U/L vs. (181.55 ± 21.94) U/L, t = 15.39, P < 0.05). Half a year after treatment, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the study group were (4.38 ± 0.64) mmol/L, (1.71 ± 0.42) mmol/L, and (1.65 ± 0.32) mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(4.76 ± 0.83) mmol/L, (1.96 ± 0.45) mmol/L, (1.98 ± 0.34) mmol/L, tTC = 3.81, tTG = 4.14, tLDL-C = 5.58, all P < 0.05]. HDL-C level in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.96 ± 0.38) mmol/L vs. (1.63 ± 0.27) mmol/L, tHDL-C = 7.39, P < 0.05]. Half a year after medication, clinical efficacy was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group (94.44% vs. 81.48%, χ2 = 6.29, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Low-dose topiramate combined with levetiracetam is highly effective on epilepsy in children. The combined therapy has less impact on the levels of bone and lipid metabolism indicators and is suitable for clinical application.

Efficacy and safety of switching from brand-name to domestic generic levetiracetam in children with epilepsy / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the efficacy and safety of domestic generic levetiracetam in replacement of brand-name levetiracetam in the treatment of children with epilepsy.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 154 children with epilepsy who received domestic generic levetiracetam in the inpatient or outpatient service of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from May 2019 to December 2020. Domestic generic levetiracetam and brand-name levetiracetam were compared in terms of efficacy and safety.@*RESULTS@#For these 154 children, the epilepsy control rate was 77.3% (119/154) at baseline. At 6 months after switching to domestic generic levetiracetam, the epilepsy control rate reached 83.8% (129/154), which showed a significant increase (P<0.05). There was no significant change in the frequency of seizures from baseline to 6 months after switching (P>0.05). The incidence of refractory epilepsy in children with no response after switching treatment was significantly higher than that in children with response (P<0.05). Before switching, only 1 child (0.6%) experienced somnolence, while after switching, 3 children (1.9%) experienced mild adverse drug reactions, including dizziness, somnolence, irritability, and bad temper.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Switching from brand-name to generic levetiracetam is safe and effective and holds promise for clinical application, but more prospective randomized controlled trials are required in future.

Establishment of the method for simultaneous determination of levetiracetam and carbamazepine in human plasma / 中国药房

OBJECT IVE To e stablish the method for simultaneous determination of levetiracetam and carbamazepine concentrations in human plasma. METHODS After plasma samples were precipitated with methanol ，using carbamazepine-D 10 as the internal standard ，the concentrations of levetiracetam and carbamazepine were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （HPLC-MS/MS）. The determination was performed on XBridge BEH C 18 column with methanol-0.1％ formic acid as mobile phase （gradient elution ）at the flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 40℃，and sample size was 2 μL. With electrospray ion source，a multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for positive ion scanning；the detected ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 171.3→126.3（levetiracetam），m/z 237.1→194.1（carbamazepine）， 247.1→204.1（internal standard ）. RESULTS The linear range of the concentrations of levetiracetam and carbamazepine were 0.5-50 and 0.2-20 μg/mL（r＝0.997 3 and 0.998 5），respectively；the lower quantitative limits were 0.5 and 0.2 μg/mL，respectively. RSDs of intra-day and inter-day were all no more than 10.00％. RE of intra-day and inter-day were within ±4.00％；the average extraction recoveries rate were 95.60％-105.00％；the average internal standard correction matrix factors were 98.40％-110.00％； RSDs of stability tests were all not higher than 5.60％. The concentrations of levetiracetam and carbamazepine in the plasma of 22 patients measured by this method were 3.36-40.90 and 3.64-9.93 μg/mL，respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established method for determining the concentration of levetiracetam and carbamazepine in human plasma is f ast，sensitive，accurate and stable ，and can be used for the monitoring of plasma concentration and pharmacokinetic study in epilepsy patients.

A description of sodium valproate, lamotrigine and levetiracetam consumption in the Western Cape public sector

The rational use of medicine is fundamental to ensure effective and safe patient medicine treatment, and hence, should be monitored. Undisputable evidence exists for the teratogenic risk factors associated with sodium valproate. Consequently, the Western Cape Department of Health introduced a policy (2019) recommending alternatives for valproate in women of childbearing age, including lamotrigine or levetiracetam as alternatives for patients on antiretrovirals. This study aimed to describe the change in the consumption of valproate, lamotrigine and levetiracetam after a policy implementation in public sector health facilities of the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: This observational study followed a quasi-experimental design. Consumption data from the Cape Medical Depot over the period 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Consumption was presented as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 population per quarter for sodium valproate, levetiracetam and lamotrigine for the Western Cape province, urban and rural areas. Consumption 12 months before was compared with consumption 12 months after policy implementation. Results: Post-policy implementation, valproate consumption remained unchanged provincially (3.3%; p = 0.255), in urban (7.8%; p = 0.255) and rural (1.5%; p = 0.701) areas. Lamotrigine consumption increased significantly provincially (30.7%; p = 0.020) and in urban areas (54.5%; p = 0.002); however, rural (26.1%; p = 0.108) areas did not show significant change. Provincially, valproate consumption remained substantially higher (209 DDDs/1000 population per quarter) compared with lamotrigine consumption (32.22 DDDs/1000 population per quarter). Conclusion: In the Western Cape public sector, the consumption of sodium valproate remained unchanged 12 months after policy implementation. Although there were significant increases in lamotrigine and levetiracetam consumption, the consumption was considerably less compared with sodium valproate consumption.