Effect of pregabalin add-on treatment on seizure control, quality of life, and anxiety in patients with brain tumour-related epilepsy: a pilot study

Objective. An open pilot study to evaluate the effect of pregabalin (PGB) as add-on therapy on seizure control, quality of life, and anxiety in patients with brain tumour-related epilepsy (BTRE). Materials and methods. We recruited 25 consecutive patients with BTRE and uncontrolled seizures. At baseline and during follow-up, patients underwent a complete physical and neurological examination and were evaluated using the QOLIE 31P (V2), EORTC QLQ C30, Adverse Events Profile, and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). At baseline, a seizure diary was given. Results. During follow-up, 17 patients underwent chemotherapy, none underwent radiotherapy, 9 had disease progression, and 3 died. Mean duration of follow-up was 4.1 months. Mean PGB dosage was 279 mg/day. At baseline, mean weekly seizure frequency was 5.3 (+/- 10) and at last available follow-up visit was 2.8 +/- 5. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.016). The responder rate was 76%. Ten patients dropped out; 4 as a result of seizure worsening, 1 as a result of unchanged seizure frequency, 3 as a result of a lack of compliance, and 2 as a result of side effects. Based on the QOLIE-31-P, a significant improvement of the subscale "seizure worry" (p=0.004) and a significant decrease in distress scores related to AEDs and social life (p=0.009 and p=0.008, respectively) were observed. A significant decrease in HAM-A score (p=0.002) was documented. Conclusions. These data indicate that PGB may represent a valid alternative as add-on treatment in this patient population, based on its efficacy on seizure control and anxiety.