Porównanie wpływu kwasu walproinowego i lewetyracetamu na funkcje poznawcze u dzieci z nowo rozpoznaną epilepsją: badanie obserwacyjne prospektywne

Abstract Background Antiseizure medications may differ in their effects on seizure control, tolerability, and cognitive performance, which is particularly relevant in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. This study compared the short-term effectiveness, tolerability, and cognitive screening outcomes of levetiracetam and valproic acid monotherapy in pediatric epilepsy. Methods This prospective, single-center observational cohort study included 60 children aged 3–14 years with newly diagnosed epilepsy who had not previously received antiseizure medication. Participants received levetiracetam (n = 30) or valproic acid (n = 30) monotherapy according to routine clinical practice. Seizure frequency, adverse drug reactions, and cognitive screening outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (Modified MMSE), which was interpreted as a brief screening instrument rather than a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Within- and between-group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests. Results Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. After 12 weeks, mean Modified MMSE scores increased from 25.00 ± 1.43 to 26.80 ± 1.64 in the levetiracetam group and decreased from 25.70 ± 1.53 to 24.43 ± 1.57 in the valproic acid group (both p