Epilepsy
Study register · detail Netzwerk-Meta-Analyse · Epilepsy · 2022

Short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of antiseizure medications in Lennox Gastaut syndrome: A network meta-analysis.

Clear benefit GRADE Moderate 24 citations
Samplek = 15 Studien
n = 1.263 Pat.
DurationShort- and long-term results
ControlPlacebo or other ASMs
EndpointSeizure reduction ≥50%
Blindingn.a.
DesignNetzwerk-Meta-Analyse
Cannabinoidcbd
Key finding

High-dose clobazam (CLB_H) showed the best efficacy for ≥50% reduction of drop seizures (OR: 4,9) with the highest ranking (SUCRA 0,89), while high-dose CBD showed higher rates of adverse events; long-term data confirmed CLB_H as the most effective and safest option.

Summary

Network meta-analysis (k=15 RCTs/OLE, n=1.263, age 2–54 years) on 6 antiepileptics including CBD in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. High-dose CBD (20 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced drop seizures (OR=3,8; 95%-CI 1,6–9,0 vs. placebo); high-dose clobazam led the efficacy ranking (OR=4,9; SUCRA=0,89). Long-term CBD therapy was associated with a higher TEAE rate (96%; 95%-CI 95–98%). CLB, CBD and rufinamide are regarded as the most effective and safest option.

P
PopulationChildren and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), age 2–54 years, n=1263 from 15 studies
I
InterventionAntiepileptics (ASMs): cannabidiol (CBD), clobazam (CLB), felbamate (FLB), lamotrigine (LTG), rufinamide (RFM), topiramate (TPM)
C
ControlPlacebo or other ASMs (network comparison)
O
OutcomeCLB_H (1,0 mg/kg/day) showed the highest probability of a ≥50% reduction in drop-seizure frequency (OR 4,9; 95%-CI 2,3–10,8; SUCRA 0,89); CBD_H (20 mg/kg/day) had the highest probability of TEAEs (OR 3,8; 95%-CI 1,6–9,0; SUCRA 0,85). Long-term: CLB 78% responders (95%-CI 70–85%), CBD 96% TEAE rate (95%-CI 95–98%).
Confidence in the evidence
Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for
Risk of bias
Quality profile
Sample size
Blinding
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year
Authors
Devi N, Madaan P, Ameen R, Sahu JK, Bansal D
DOI 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.04.004
Design: Netzwerk-Meta-Analyse
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Abstract
To assess the short-term and long-term comparative efficacy and safety of ASMs for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Following a systematic literature search, randomized controlled trial (RCT) and open-label extension (OLE) studies on LGS comparing ASMs with placebo or other ASMs were included. ≥50% reduction in drop seizure frequency from baseline and occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were the primary efficacy and safety outcomes. For short-term outcomes, a network meta-analysis (NMA) reporting odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and hierarchy of competing interventions [surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)] was done. Long-term outcomes were reported as proportion with 95% CIs using the random-effects model. Fifteen studies including 1263 participants with LGS (aged 2-54years) receiving any of six ASMs [cannabidiol (CBD), clobazam (CLB), felbamate (FLB), lamotrigine (LTG), rufinamide (RFM), topiramate (TPM)] or placebo were included. High-dose CLB (1.0 mg/kg/day; CLB_H) [OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 2.3-10.8] was significantly associated with ≥50% reduction in drop seizure frequency as compared with placebo, and achieved the highest-ranking probability (0.89) based on SUCRA values (although there was an overlap between confidence intervals of effect sizes of CLB, RFM and CBD), while high-dose CBD (20 mg/kg/day; CBD_H) [OR: 3.8; 95% CI:1.6-9.0] had significantly higher odds for occurrence of any TEAEs and had the highest-ranking probability (0.85). Furthermore, the long-term treatment with CLB [78%; 95% CI: 70-85%] was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients with reduction in drop-seizures, and long-term use of CBD [96%; 95% CI: 95-98%] was associated with a higher frequency of TEAEs. The study findings suggest that CLB_H, CBD and RFM are the most efficacious and safest in terms of both short and long-term outcomes with CLB_H probably leading the hierarchy. Future head-to-head trials comparing these ASMs are needed.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius