A Pilot Study of Efficacy and Tolerability of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Subjects With Childhoo… (NCT00361010) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Pilot Study of Efficacy and Tolerability of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Subjects With Childhood Absence Epilepsy
United States20 participantsStarted 2006-12
Plain-language summary
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a form of generalized epilepsy syndrome. Clinically these seizures are manifest with a sudden, brief (3-15 second) loss of awareness followed by a quick recovery to baseline. Keppra (levetiracetam) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat partial seizures in adults. It is currently being studied in children with partial seizures. Absence seizures can be difficult to detect clinically, therefore the response to therapy will be determined both by clinical observation and by 24 hour EEG recordings. The researchers hope that with this information they will learn how well it works for the treatment of childhood absence epilepsy and at what dose. This is an open-label, dose-ranging pilot study of levetiracetam in subjects with newly diagnosed childhood absence epilepsy. Approximately 20 patients will be needed to study effectiveness and dose requirements. Subjects must not be on any antiepileptic medication at the time of entry into the study. Male and female subjects from the ages of 4 to 10 years of age may participate.
Who can participate
Age range
4 Years – 10 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* CAE by EEG criteria
* Naive to antiepileptics
* Onset 3 to 10 years old
* A history of daily seizures
* Age between 4 and 10
* Weight at least 5th percentile for age
* Be able to take oral medications
* Be willing to return for diagnostic testing and visits and adhere to medication regime
Exclusion Criteria:
* An EEG with any of the following abnormalities
* Focal epilepsy
* Slow spike and wave discharges
* Photoconvulsive response
* Slow background rhythms for age
* Currently being treated with an antiepileptic drug (AED)
* History of MR
* A history of myoclonic, atonic,tonic or astatic seizures
* A clinically unstable disease
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The primary efficacy variable will be change in seizure frequency.