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01-08-2016 | Topic Review

Levetiracetam for seizure prevention in brain tumor patients: a systematic review

Authors: Ziad Ghantous Nasr, Bridget Paravattil, Kyle John Wilby

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Seizures are common complications for patients with brain tumors. No clear evidence exists regarding the use of antiepileptic agents for prophylactic use yet newer agents are being favoured in many clinical settings. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of levetiracetam for preventing seizures in patients with brain tumors. A literature search was completed using the databases PubMed (1948 to December 2015), EMBASE (1980 to December 2015), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they reported seizure frequency data pertaining to levetiracetam use in patients with brain tumors as either monotherapy or as an add on agent. The literature search produced 21 articles (3 randomized controlled trials, seven prospective observational studies, and 11 retrospective observational studies). All studies were found to be at high risk of bias. Overall, studies show levetiracetam decreased seizure frequency in brain tumor patients with or without craniotomy. Safety outcomes were also favourable. As such, levetiracetam appears effective for reducing seizures in patients with brain tumors and may be considered a first-line agent. However, there is an urgent need for more high quality prospective data assessing levetiracetam and other antiepileptic drugs in this population.

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Title: Levetiracetam for seizure prevention in brain tumor patients: a systematic review
Authors: Ziad Ghantous Nasr
Bridget Paravattil
Kyle John Wilby
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-016-2146-5

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