Levetiracetam (levebel) Versus Carbamazepine Monotherapy for Focal Epilepsy in Children

Focal epilepsy is one of the most prevalent type of seizures in childhood. In this study we will compare the effect of new approved drug leveitiracetam versus carbamazepine in the treatment of focal epilepsy.

Methods and Materials:

 we studied  newly diagnosed  children with focal epilepsy (in the age range of 1-16). The children were treated randomly with two drug levetiracetam and carbamazepine. Patients have been followed for seizure and drugs side effects at intervals of 1 month and six months. We checked liver function tests and complete blood count for all patients and they asked about any significant side effects such as drowsiness، restlessness and skin reaction. Eventually, they were classified in two groups of 25 consuming levetiracetam and 25 consuming carbamazepine.

In our study, two cases were excluded in levetiracetam group because of sever agitation and 3 patients (13%) had relapsing seizures. In the group of carbamazepine,10 patients(40%) had relapse. Seizure was not repeated in 15 (60%) and 20 (87%) cases in  carbamazepin and levetiracetam  groups, respectivelly.chi square examination  showed that the responses to treatment had significant differences (P=0.03). Agitation and drowsiness  were the most prevalent complication in levetiracetam and carbamazepine groups, respectivelly. Fortunately ،liver enzyme dysfunction and blood cell disturbance were observed in none of the groups.

 According to findings, there were significant differences in controlling  seizures  between two groups that implicate much more influence of levetiracetam (87%) in suppression of focal seizure .