Abstracts

Rationale: There are 15 different AEDs available for the treatment of epilepsy. Monotherapy with AEDs is the preferred treatment strategy for the majority of patients with epilepsy. Few studies have comprehensively described the efficacy and tolerability of AED monotherapy in the Veteran population. Methods: We are conducting a retrospective chart review at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of AED monotherapy in patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy. A list of patients within VAGLAHS, who were started on AEDs and had a diagnosis of epilepsy, was generated for the time period of January 2001 - June 2006. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with less than 6 months follow-up information in the charts or with inadequate information on type of epilepsy. Results: 1138 patients were identified. To date 851 patients have met inclusion criteria. 59% are on monotherapy. 97% are male. 60% of patients on monotherapy are on phenytoin. 75% of patients who were prescribed lamotrigine, levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine as monotherapy achieved adequate seizure control on these AEDs. To date we have identified 30 patients who are on high dose phenytoin and carbamazepine with serum levels within therapeutic range. Conclusions: Phenytoin is the most commonly prescribed AED in our veteran population followed by carbamazepine, levitiracetam, topiramate and lamotrigine.