Effect of levetiracetam in combination with topiramate on immune function, cognitive function, and neuronal nutritional status of children with intractable epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of levetiracetam in combination with topiramate on immune function, cognitive function, and the neuronal nutritional status of children with intractable epilepsy.

METHODS

This study enrolled 124 children with intractable epilepsy who were admitted to our hospital. The control group included 58 children treated with topiramate, and the observation group included 66 children treated with levetiracetam and topiramate. Flow cytometry was used to determine CD4 and CD8 T cell counts before and after treatment in both groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, the observation group exhibited significantly higher CD4 T cell counts and BDNF and NGF levels and significantly lower CD8 T cell counts and IL-6, IL-1β, and MMP-9 levels than the control group. The FIQ and VIQ of the observation group were also significantly higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the incidence rates of adverse events were not significantly different between the observation and the control groups. Finally, IL-6, IL-1β, and MMP-9 were negatively correlated with full-scale intelligence quotient (FIQ) and virtual inhibitory quotient (VIQ).

CONCLUSIONS

Levetiracetam in combination with topiramate is associated with reduced inflammatory response and improved immune function, cognitive function, and neuronal nutritional status in children with intractable epilepsy.