2011•Journal of Yangtze UniversityRequires access
Effects of Levetiracetam on Quality of Life in Children with Refractory Epilepsy
Guo Jing-fang
Open publisher page 0 citations
Abstract
Objective:To evaluate the effect of new antiepileptic drug levetiracetam on quality of life in children with refractory epilepsy. Methods:The quality of life of 18 refractory epileptic children and 18 normal children were assessed with a new quality of life measure for children with epilepsy (QOLCE) which was developed by Mark. After 8 months of levetiracetam as an adjunctive treatment of children with refractory epilepsy, the quality of life was assessed again. Results:The quality of life of refractory epileptic children was much lower than that of normal children. But after levetiracetam as an adjunctive treatment, quality of life of refractory epileptic children was markedly improved, particularly in the respects of cognitive function and social function. Conclusion:Levetiracetam as an adjunctive treatment of children with refractory epilepsy can significantly improve the quality of life by lowering the seizure frequency and the side effects of medication.