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Multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of levetiracetam as add-on therapy in Chinese patients with refractory partial-onset seizures.

Author(s): Wu XY, Hong Z, Wu X, Wu LW, Wang XF, Zhou D, Zhao ZX, Lv CZ

Affiliation(s): The Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China [corrected]

Publication date & source: 2009-03, Epilepsia., 50(3):398-405. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV; Keppra) as add-on therapy in Chinese patients with refractory partial-onset seizures. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 206 patients aged 16-70 years with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures were randomized to receive LEV (n =103) or placebo (n =103); 202 patients (LEV, n =102; placebo, n = 100) comprised the intent-to-treat population. An 8-week historical baseline period confirmed eligibility according to seizure count. The 16-week treatment period consisted of a 4-week up-titration period (LEV, 1,000-3,000 mg/day in two equal divided doses) followed by a 12-week maintenance period. Efficacy assessments were based on weekly frequency of partial-onset seizures during the 16-week treatment period. RESULTS: LEV significantly decreased weekly partial-onset seizure frequency over placebo by 26.8% (p < 0.001). Median percentage reductions in weekly partial-onset seizure frequency from historical baseline were 55.9% for LEV and 13.7% for placebo (p < 0.001). The >or=50% responder rates were 55.9% for LEV, compared with 26.0% for placebo (p < 0.001). Freedom from partial-onset seizures during treatment period was achieved by 11 LEV patients (10.8%) and 2 placebo patients (2.0%) (p = 0.012). Adverse events were reported by 65 LEV-treated patients (63.1%) and 62 placebo-treated patients (60.2%); most were of mild-to-moderate intensity. The most common adverse events were somnolence (LEV, 17.5%; placebo, 17.5%), decreased platelet count (LEV, 9.7%; placebo, 9.7%), and dizziness (LEV, 7.8%; placebo, 13.6%). DISCUSSION: Add-on LEV was effective and well-tolerated in Chinese patients with refractory partial-onset seizures.

Page last updated: 2009-10-20

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