Cognitive Behavioral and EEG Effects of Levetiracetam In Pediatric Developmental Disorders of Attent

1
Cognitive Behavioral and EEG Effects of
Levetiracetam In Pediatric Developmental
Disorders of Attention and Learning
DD Duane1, G Heimburger1, DC Duane2, R
White1 Institute for Developmental Behavioral
Neurology / Arizona State University1Scottsdale
/ Tempe, Arizona Barrow Neurological
Institute2Phoenix, Arizona
Objective To study the cognitive, behavioral and
EEG effects of levetiracetam in non- retarding
developmental disorders of attention/learning. Met
hods Retrospective analysis of 12 children, 8
male, mean age 9 (6-12 years) , with verified
developmental disorders of attention and/or
learning associated with EEG abnormalities (6
with clinical seizure history) were placed on
levetiracetam (mean dose 675 mg/d, 19.4 mg/kg)
for three to twelve months with informed
consent. No other AED was employed and no other
medication changes occurred. Pre- and post-Rx
comparisons were EEG, cognitive performance and
behavioral measures. Results EEG Pre/Post (Mayo
Clinic classification system) - dysrhythmia grade
III 8/3, dysrhythmia grade II 2/2, dysrhythmia
grade I 2/1, normal 0/6. Cognition
Improved/Performed - Rey Auditory Verbal Learning
Test (verbal learning/memory) 7/11 (64), Letter
Cancellation Task (visual vigilance) 5/10 (50),
Digit Span (auditory numeric attention/memory)
7/7 (100), Test of Variables of Attention
(visual attention) 4/6 (67), Conners' Continuous
Performance Test (visual attention) 6/8 (75),
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (executive function)
3/7 (43), Rapid Automatized Naming (phonological
awareness) 7/8 (88), Picture Naming (nominative
fluency) 3/6 (50). Behavior
Improved/Performed - DSM-IV attention 4/10
(40), hyperactivity 4/10 (40), impulsivity
3/10 (30), Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist
attention 4/9 (44). Adverse Effects
none. Conclusion In childhood developmental
disorders with EEG abnormalities levetiracetam is
associated with a moderate probability of
improved EEG and cognition, but more modest
probability of improvement in behavioral measures
of attention without significant adverse
effects. Poster Presentation, 15th Annual
American Neuropsychiatric Association meeting,
February 22, 2004, Bal Harbour, FL.DD Duane, G
Heimburger, DC Duane, R White Cognitive
behavioral and EEG effects of levetiracetam in
pediatric developmental disorders of attention
and learning, Journal Neuropsychiatry and
Clinical Neuroscience, Spring, 2004.