Efficacy, retention, and safety of brivaracetam in adult patients with genetic generalized epilepsy

Publication date: January 2020Source: Epilepsy & Behavior, Volume 102Author(s): Elena Fonseca, Lorena Guzmán, Manuel Quintana, Laura Abraira, Estevo Santamarina, Xavier Salas-Puig, Manuel ToledoAbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and retention of brivaracetam (BRV) in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) in real-life practice.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with GGE in whom BRV was started between 2016 and 2018, completing a follow-up period of ≥ 6 months. Clinical and electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics were analyzed at baseline and at follow-up as outcome measures.ResultsBrivaracetam was started in 37 patients (mean age: 29.9 ± 12.3 years; 73% women). Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy was the most common syndrome (43.2%). The primary indications for starting BRV were lack of efficacy (51.4%) and adverse events (AEs) (27%) of other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In total, 32.4% of patients received BRV monotherapy. Retention rate at 6 months was 81.1%; 83.8% of patients were considered responders, and 62.2% achieved seizure freedom. The primary reasons for withdrawal were treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs, 57.1%) and lack of efficacy (42.9%). The higher number of prior AED use was a risk factor for a lack of response [median = 4 (interquartile range (IQR): 3–4) vs 2 (IQR: 1–3); p < 0.05]. Patients with a previous response to valproic acid tended to have a higher...
Source: Epilepsy and Behavior - Category: Neurology Source Type: research