Pediatric Epilepsy Study Opportunity

The Epilepsy Foundation always encourages families to work with their health care providers to find the most effective treatment for an individual’s epilepsy. We believe that effective treatment keeps an individual’s epilepsy under control while also limiting side effects. However, there is a surprising lack of evidence directly comparing the effectiveness of different anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) in children, making it hard for families to make informed decisions about treatment options.

The COPE Study (Cognitive AED Outcomes in Pediatric Localization Related Epilepsy) is a new study - run by Dr. David Loring and funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) - that is the first of its kind in comparing the cognitive side effects (attention, processing speed, and memory) of different medications in children who develop localization related epilepsy (epilepsy for a single area of the brain, also called focal epilepsy). This important study will compare the cognitive effects of three common AEDs (Lamictal, Trileptal, and Keprra) to help guide child neurologists as they consider prescribing medications for newly diagnosed children.

By comparing tests of attention, processing speed, and memory at the beginning of treatment and then six months later, Dr. Loring and his team will be able to measure the effects of these three common AEDs. It is vitally important to find the most effective treatment for children with epilepsy, as preserving cognitive function while maintaining seizure control can have a lasting impact as children grown and learn.

The COPE study is looking to recruit children between the ages of six and 12 who have been newly diagnosed with localization related epilepsy. Major benefits of participating in the study are the formal tests of attention, processing, and memory administered at the beginning of the study and then six months later. Afterwards, a report on whether any changes have been seen will be given to the family. The study is also "open label," meaning that the treating team always knows what medication is being used, and they can always change the medication at any time if side effects, recurrent seizures or other concerns arise.

To learn more about the study and to enroll please go to http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01891890. Here you can view the 12 study areas and find the individuals to contact to learn more about the study near the bottom of the page.