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Clinical experience with brivaracetam in a series of 46 children

Núria Visa-Reñé1, Miquel Raspall-Chaure2, Fernando Paredes-Carmona1

  • 1Paediatric Department, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova [Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital], Lleida, Spain.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|April 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Brivaracetam demonstrated efficacy in diverse childhood epilepsies, with a 65% response rate. However, tolerability compared to levetiracetam requires further investigation in pediatric epilepsy patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects a significant number of children worldwide.
  • Brivaracetam (BRV) is an antiepileptic drug used as an add-on therapy.
  • Understanding BRV's long-term efficacy and safety in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of brivaracetam (BRV) in pediatric epilepsy patients 12 months post-treatment initiation.
  • To assess the safety profile of BRV at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, observational study design.
  • Data collected from electronic medical records.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients <18 years, epilepsy diagnosis, BRV add-on therapy initiated June-September 2017, and prior unprovoked seizure.

Main Results:

  • Forty-six pediatric patients were analyzed.
  • A 65% response rate was observed, with 30% achieving seizure freedom.
  • Adverse effects occurred in 43.5%, leading to withdrawal in 34.7%; common side effects included drowsiness and irritability.

Conclusions:

  • Brivaracetam is effective across various childhood epilepsies, including generalized seizures.
  • The study could not confirm superior tolerability of BRV over levetiracetam (LEV) in this cohort.
  • BRV represents a viable treatment option for pediatric epilepsy.
Abstract

Keywords:
BrivaracetamChildrenEfficacyEpilepsyLevetiracetamPediatrics

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