ROLE OF BRIVARACETAM AS MONO-THERAPY IN FOCAL EPILEPSY AMONG CHILDREN LESS THAN 16 YEARS AGE

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of briveracetam (BRV) as monotherapy in managing focal epilepsy in children in a real world.

Study design: Quasi experimental clinical study.

Place and duration of study: Study was conducted in Paediatric Neurology Unit, The University of Child Health Sciences, Children’s Hospital Lahore from February to August 2025.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental clinical study included 27 children aged less than 16 years with electroclinically diagnosed focal epilepsy enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Baseline demographic, clinical, and electroencephalographic data were recorded. Brivaracetam was administered in two divided daily doses, and children were followed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months for efficacy and adverse events. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 26 using Fisher’s exact test, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Among 27 children, the mean age was 5.22 ± 3.97 years and 17 (63.0%) were male. Focal clonic seizures were the most common seizure type, seen in 12 (44.4%) children. The mean baseline seizure frequency was 9.22 ± 9.27 per month. Complete seizure freedom was achieved in 5 (18.5%) children at the first visit, 15 (55.6%) at the second visit, and 18 (66.7%) at the third visit. No adverse effects were observed in 8 (29.6%) children. The most frequent adverse effects were irritability in 10 (37.0%), insomnia in 4 (14.8%), somnolence in 3 (11.1%), headache in 1 (3.7%), and anorexia in 1 (3.7%) child.

Conclusion: BRV is a reliable drug and efficacy (complete cessation of seizures) can be achieved within 3 months of treatment.