Retinal ganglion cell complex and visual evoked potentials in levetiracetam treatment

To examine central macular, RNFL (retinal nerve fibre layer), GCC (ganglion cell complex) thicknesses; and VEPs (visual evoked potential) in epileptic patients using levetiracetam for at least one year.

Sixteen focal epileptic patients receiving levetiracetam monotherapy and 16 healthy subjects were included in the study. Central macular, RNFL and GCC thicknesses according to spectral domain OCT (optical coherence tomography); and VEPs parameters were compared between patients and healthy subjects.

The mean age of patient and control groups were 40 ± 16 and 38 ± 12 years respectively (p > 0.05). The patient group was on levetiracetam therapy for 64 ± 45 (12-168) months. Central macular thickness was thinner in the patient group (p = 0.008). There was no difference among groups regarding RNFL thicknesses. GCC thicknesses in all quadrants were similar among groups, except the superior quadrant; which was thinner in the patient group (p = 0.03). P100 amplitude in 30 min pattern was lower in the patient group (p = 0.04). N135 latency in 15 min (p = 0.03) and 7 min patterns (p = 0.01) was longer in the patient group.

Central macular and GCC thicknesses; and VEP parameters in patients receiving levetiracetam treatment may differ from healthy subjects.