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Abstract Details

Behavioral alterations associated with the use of levetiracetam in pediatric patients with epilepsy
Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology
P4 - Poster Session 4 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
7-072

To determine changes in behavior after treatment initiation with levetiracetam, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-cas) - validated on chilean population, in chilean patients with epilepsy, from 4 to 15 years old. 

Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug with improved pharmacological profile. Its prescription has increased sixfold during the last decade. However, association with behavioral side-effects has been broadly studied. In pediatric population different reports suggest this association. 

Prospective study. To enter the study, children had to be prescribed levetiracetam by his/her treating neurologist. The SDQ-cas questionnaire was applied at baseline, 2, 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Chile. 

Fifteen patients, 9 male and 6 female, average of 8.4 (4 - 14) years old were recluted. In the fourth week assesment, 26.6% of the patients showed significant alteration in the scale of strengths and difficulties. These patients maintained the described alterations throughout the study observation period. No new patients with significant alterations were observed after the fourth week of treatment. The behavioural dimention of the questionnaire was mostly affected. Comorbidities and psychopathology family history, were identified as risk factors.
Althought, behavioral alterations associated with the use of levetiracetam in pediatric patients with epilepsy had been previously described, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective study  that used a standardized scale showing a quantification of the behavioural alterations. One forth of pediatrics patients receiving levetiracetam present significant alterations in behavior, which are present since the first four weeks of treatment. It is essential to know the risk factors associated with these adverse effects in order to improve medical prescription.
Authors/Disclosures
Carla Manterola
PRESENTER
No disclosure on file
No disclosure on file