Seizure : the journal of the British Epilepsy Association
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Observational Study
Intravenous levetiracetam in clinical practice--Results from an independent registry.
Most common clinical studies with antiepileptic drugs do not reflect medical everyday practice due to their strict in- and exclusion criteria and specifications of treatment regimens. Here we present a large non-interventional registry with the intention to evaluate the spectrum of applications in daily use and the efficacy and tolerability of intravenously given levetiracetam (LEV-iv). ⋯ In this large observational study of everyday practise the use of LEV-iv exhibited a remarkable good response and tolerability in patients with acute onset seizures (mostly SE). Further randomized controlled studies, like the established status epilepticus trial (ESET) are needed to confirm these findings.
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Observational Study
Retrospective case series of the clinical features, management and outcomes of patients with autoimmune epilepsy.
Analyze clinical and electrographic characteristics of patients with autoimmune epilepsy, and evaluate the effect of early diagnosis and treatment on reduction of seizure frequency. ⋯ This study highlights certain important clinical and electrographic aspects of autoimmune epilepsy, and the significance of early diagnosis and initiation of immunomodulatory therapy.
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Gabapentin and pregabalin are antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with epilepsy and neuropathic pain indications. The purpose of this study was to investigate pharmacokinetic variability of gabapentin and pregabalin and indications for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in clinical practice with focus on gender aspects. ⋯ Gabapentin and pregabalin are more used in women than in men, and routine use of TDM is most common in patients with epilepsy. Pharmacokinetic variability is extensive, highlighting a need for individualisation of therapy regardless of indication.
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Guidelines for women with epilepsy (WWE) are advising those on enzyme inducing drugs EIAEDs to take vitamin K the last month of pregnancy. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether WWE have a higher frequency of large post partum hemorrhage. Secondary we wanted to see if this was more severe in women taking EIAEDs, and also to evaluate whether those receiving prenatal vitamin K supplementation have a less pronounced risk. ⋯ In this study, WWE was not found to have increased risk of post partum hemmorrhage including those using EIAED with/without vitamin K supplementation.
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To evaluate the 1-year efficacy and safety of oral lacosamide as conversion monotherapy in adult patients with partial onset seizures with or without generalization. ⋯ Conversion to lacosamide monotherapy could be effective and well tolerated in selected adults patients with partial onset seizures who had achieved seizure freedom during lacosamide add-on therapy.