Levetiracetam versus carbamazepine monotherapy in the management of pediatric focal epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT: Levetiracetam (LEV) and carbamazepine (CBZ) are effective monotherapies for focal epilepsy in children. However, the best drug remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing LEV and CBZ monotherapy in the management of pediatric focal epilepsy (PFE). We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until February 2024 comparing LEV and CBZ monotherapy in PFE. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.2, heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB-2 tool. Risk Ratios (RR) with p < 0.05 were considered significant. The outcomes of interest were seizure freedom, any adverse events, adverse events leading to treatment d

SUBMITTER: Martins JMB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11473619 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature