Abstract | PURPOSE: METHODS: LEV was prescribed to 13 patients with ULD. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of LEV on seizure frequency and on myoclonus, by using a simplified myoclonus rating score, and compared the patients' status before LEV and at the last follow-up. They were two women and 11 men, aged 14 to 52 years (mean, 36.5 years), with a disease duration of 4 to 40 years (mean, 24.3 years). LEV was given at 2,000 to 4,000 mg/d for 0.5 to 26 months (mean, 13.8 months). RESULTS: One patient stopped LEV within 2 weeks because of side effects and lack of efficacy. None of the other 12 patients reported side effects. The average myoclonus score significantly changed from 3.1 to 2.4 (p = 0.01), but only eight had a measurable improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The best effects were noted in the younger patients. In patients previously treated with high-dose piracetam (PIR), discontinuation of PIR was not always well tolerated, and a combination of PIR at lower doses and LEV appeared to be a practical solution. LEV should probably be considered as a major treatment option early in the course of ULD.
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Authors | Adriana Magaudda, Philippe Gelisse, Pierre Genton |
Journal | Epilepsia
(Epilepsia)
Vol. 45
Issue 6
Pg. 678-81
(Jun 2004)
ISSN: 0013-9580 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15144434
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anticonvulsants
- Levetiracetam
- Piracetam
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Age of Onset
- Anticonvulsants
(therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Humans
- Levetiracetam
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myoclonus
(diagnosis, drug therapy, prevention & control)
- Piracetam
(analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
- Unverricht-Lundborg Syndrome
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
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