Comparison of Effectiveness Between Brivaracetam and Levetiracetam in New Onset Focal Epilepsy in Children

Sleep health notes

Sleep health notes will be added by the Sleepatch editorial team.

中文解读

中文解读待补充：本站会优先为失眠研究、睡眠质量改善、昼夜节律等高价值睡眠研究添加中文说明。

Original abstract

Background: Pediatric focal epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that requires early and effective treatment to prevent long-term cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Levetiracetam (LEV) is widely used as a first-line antiseizure medication, while brivaracetam (BRV), a newer SV2A ligand with higher binding affinity, has limited comparative data in children. Aim: Our aim is to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of BRV and LEV in children with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted at Mount Adora Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh, between July 2024 and June 2025. A total of 62 children aged 1–18 years with new-onset focal epilepsy were included, with 31 receiving LEV and 31 receiving BRV. Seizure frequency and treatment response were assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Common adverse effects of both drugs were also documented. Results: After 3 months, the mean seizure frequency was significantly lower in the BRV group (0.42) compared to the LEV group (1.58; p<0.001). Complete response was achieved in 87% of BRV patients versus 61% of LEV patients (p=0.042). Both drugs were generally well tolerated. Somnolence was reported in 12.9% of LEV and 9.7% of BRV patients. Behavioral adverse effects were more frequent with BRV (hyperactivity 19.4%, irritability 12.9%) compared to LEV (hyperactivity 3.2%, no irritability). Conclusion: Brivaracetam demonstrated superior seizure control efficacy as compared to levetiracetam in children with new-onset focal epilepsy, although behavioral adverse effects were more common.

Links and sources

• Official / arXiv page

Comments