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Conversion to Brivaracetam Monotherapy in Clinical Practice: A Retrospective Study
Simona Lattanzi1, Nicoletta Foschi2, Chiara Martellino3
1Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Conca 71, 60020, Ancona, Italy. alfierelattanzisimona@gmail.com.
Neurology and Therapy
|February 1, 2024
Summary
Brivaracetam (BRV) monotherapy demonstrated high retention rates (88.6% at 6 months) and seizure freedom (72.7% at 6 months) in adults with focal epilepsy. This real-world study suggests BRV is effective and safe for focal seizure management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Focal epilepsy affects numerous adults, necessitating effective monotherapy options.
- Real-world data is crucial for understanding treatment effectiveness beyond clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of brivaracetam (BRV) as conversion monotherapy for adults with focal epilepsy.
- To assess treatment retention, seizure freedom rates, and adverse events associated with BRV monotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational, non-interventional study design.
- Inclusion of adult patients with focal epilepsy converting to BRV monotherapy.
- Assessment of primary outcomes: BRV retention rates at 6 and 12 months; secondary outcomes: seizure freedom, adverse events.
Main Results:
- High BRV monotherapy retention rates: 88.6% at 6 months and 83.9% at 12 months.
- Significant seizure freedom rates: 72.7% at 6 months and 58.1% at 12 months.
- Low incidence of adverse events (13.6%), with somnolence being the most common; 4.5% discontinued due to AEs.
Conclusions:
- Brivaracetam monotherapy shows promise as a valuable treatment option for focal epilepsy in real-world clinical practice.
- BRV demonstrated favorable effectiveness and safety profiles, particularly for patients switching from levetiracetam.
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