Brivaracetam for treating Epilepsy: Real-world Data

10 May, 21

Introduction

Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of population globally. The long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with adverse effects (AEs) resulting in poor adherence and substantial discontinuation of the treatment. Current research therefore focuses on the development of novel AEDs with improved efficacy and a tolerable safety profile. Brivaracetam (BRV), a latest approved AED, has shown promising results and high retention rates in patients with both focal-onset and generalized epilepsies

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of BRV in everyday clinical practice

Patient Profile

Patients suffering with any type of epilepsy and having at least one follow up visit after dose titration (age ≥16 years; n-156)

Method

Study Design

A retrospective, observational, multicenter study

Outcome

Treatment response to BRV

Results

The mean age of the study population was 40 years and the mean duration of epilepsy was 21 years, majority of the patients (81%) were diagnosed with focal-onset seizures, followed by generalized seizures (16%) and unclassified seizures (3%).
Nine patients received BRV as monotherapy as a switching therapy (switching from levetiracetam).
Nearly 71% (n=112) patients had a ≥50% response rate with BRV initiation, 9% had a response rate of <50%,15% (n=24) patients had no change in seizure frequency, and 4% (n=6) had increased seizure frequency.
Amongst patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (39%, n=61), a ≥50% response rate was seen in 62% patients, with 22% having complete seizure freedom.
The treatment with BRV did not differ significantly in patients with focal or generalized epilepsy.
The response rate of ≥50% amongst patients shifted from levetiracetam to BRV was 79% (30% being seizure free).
Clinically significant AEs were reported in 17% (n=26) patients, though none of them were life threatening.

Conclusion

The study provides real-world data on the efficacy of BRV in patients with epilepsy.
Brivaracetam seems to be an effective, easy to use and safe antiepileptic drug in the clinical setting, especially in patients with previous intolerance to levetiracetam.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Feb 19;14(2):165. doi: 10.3390/ph14020165.