OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of extended release carbamazepine (finlepsin-retard and tegretol CR) in adult patients with new-onset focal epilepsy (FE) with the assessment of epileptiform activity index (EAI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 62 patients (38 (61.3%) men and 24 (38.7%) women) with new-onset FE aged ≥18 years (mean age 42.9±18.4 years). All patients underwent video-ECG-monitoring with EAI assessment at each visit. Treatment efficacy was assessed using the criteria of seizure absence (medically induced remission), seizure rate decrease by >50% (responders), seizure rate decrease by <50% — insufficient efficacy, retention on treatment and seizure rate increase compared to baseline and/or development of new type of seizures (aggravation). Overall study period was 12 months.

RESULTS

By the end of the 12-month follow-up period, there was a 4.3-fold decrease of the total EAI compared to baseline (p<0.001). Retention on carbamazepine treatment during 12 months was achieved in 61.3% (n=38) patients; medically induced remission — in 40.3% (n=25); seizure rate decrease by >50% — in 21.0% (n=13). In 29.1% (n=18) of patients, treatment change was performed; double-drug therapy, including carbamazepine, was prescribed in 9.6% (n=6) of patients. Incidence of adverse events was 29.1% (n=18).

CONCLUSIONS

Carbamazepine is an effective and promising drug for initial monotherapy of FE. Its use in the treatment of FE results in a 4.3-fold decrease of EAI (p<0.001), which reflects the efficacy of treatment. EAI is an additional objective measure of treatment efficacy.