Evaluation of the Effect of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Comparison with Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Children with Generalized or Focal Epilepsy in a Randomized Clinical Trial

Fayazi, Afshin; Sami, Ghazal; Mohammadi, Younes; Hosseini, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh

doi:10.61186/psj.19.4.10

Volume 19, Issue 4 (Pajouhan Scientific Journal, Summer 2021) Pajouhan Sci J 2021, 19(4): 10-15 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61186/psj.19.4.10

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Fayazi A, Sami G, Mohammadi Y, Hosseini S M S. Evaluation of the Effect of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Comparison with Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Children with Generalized or Focal Epilepsy in a Randomized Clinical Trial. Pajouhan Sci J 2021; 19 (4) :10-15
URL: http://psj.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-788-en.html

Evaluation of the Effect of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Comparison with Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Children with Generalized or Focal Epilepsy in a Randomized Clinical Trial

Afshin Fayazi¹

, Ghazal Sami ^*

², Younes Mohammadi³

, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Hosseini⁴

1- Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics Neurology,Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Resident of Pediatrics Speciality, Department of Pediatrics Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical sciences, Hamadan, Iran , pediatrician@gmail.com
3- Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

Abstract: (2009 Views)

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy is a chronic disease with different effects on performance. It is important to control seizures in the shortest possible time using medications with the least side effects. There are controversies regarding the effectiveness and side effects of new generation medications, compared to old and first-line therapeutic agents. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness and side effects of two medications, including sodium valproate (as a first-generation medication) and levetiracetam (as a second-generation medication).
Materials and Methods: All children over two and under 18 years old with a new diagnosis of generalized and focal epilepsy who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to enter the study were enrolled randomly. They were then divided into two groups of treatment with sodium valproate and levetiracetam. The frequency of recurrent seizures in patients and complications after taking the medications were accurately recorded with a six-month follow-up.
Results: The results showed no significant difference of age, gender, and family history of seizures in the patients of both groups with the success rate in seizure control. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the type of medication (sodium valproate and levetiracetam), type of seizure (focal and generalized), and success in treatment (seizure inhibition). Additionally, the group treated with sodium valproate revealed more significant side effects, compared to the levetiracetam group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, both sodium valproate and levetiracetam have been effective in controlling seizures. More follow-up and further studies are required to take effective steps to control the costs and complications of anticonvulsant therapy.

Keywords: Levetiracetam, Pediatrics, Seizure, Sodium-valproate

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Type of Study: Research Article | Subject: Health Sciences
Received: 2021/09/6 | Accepted: 2021/09/1 | Published: 2021/09/1

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