Levetiracetam to Prevent Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (NCT01463033) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
Levetiracetam to Prevent Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
United States126 participantsStarted 2005-04
Plain-language summary
Head injury is the cause of approximately 5% of all epilepsy in the US. Past attempts at preventing epilepsy by treatment with older antiepileptic drugs have been unsuccessful. Levetiracetam is a novel AED with potent antiepileptogenic properties in animal models of epilepsy. It has a favorable side effect and pharmacokinetic profile. It is therefore a strong candidate for a clinical trial of epilepsy prevention following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there has been no experience in administering levetiracetam rapidly to individuals with acute TBI. The investigators propose to initiate the evaluation of levetiracetam in prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy by determining the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and feasibility of acute and chronic administration of levetiracetam to individuals with head injury with a high risk for developing post-traumatic epilepsy. Further, the investigators will follow subjects for 2 years after injury in order to obtain pilot data about effect of levetiracetam on PTE. This pilot study is the first step in evaluation of levetiracetam in prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy.
Who can participate
Age range
6 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:
* Acute head injury associated with one of the following:
Intracranial hemorrhage, including epidural, subdural and intracerebral hemorrhage or with cerebral contusion(s) of any size; Penetrating (foreign body) head injury; Skull fracture and dural tear; Seizure within 8 hours of head injury
* Onset of head injury within 8-hours of proposed treatment initiation.
* Glasgow Coma Scale 6-15.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Clinical contraindications:
* Previous epilepsy or status epilepticus.
* Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that might pose additional risk, including: renal insufficiency, other unstable metabolic or endocrine disturbances, and active systemic cancer.
* Psychosis within six months of enrollment as determined by history of hospitalization for psychosis or medications for psychosis.
* Moderate to severe mental retardation (IQ\< 55 or\>2 school grade levels below the expected for age \[expected age = grade level +5\]).
* Clinical/Laboratory Indicators:
* Serum creatinine \> 1.5 on the day of treatment initiation for adults.
* Serum creatinine ≥1.5 for subjects ≥17 years old, ≥1.0 for subjects 13-17 years old and ≥0.7 for subjects 6-12 years old.
* Pregnancy
* Use of any CNS-active investigational drugs within 3 months of enrollment.
* Use of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) within two months of enrollment, for any indication.
* Allergy/sensitivity to study drugs or their formulations:
* Active drug or alcohol depe…
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.