section name header

Evidence summaries

Clobazam as Add-on for Refractory Epilepsy

Clobazam as an add-on treatment may reduce seizure frequency and may be most effective in partial onset seizures. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 4 cross-over studies with a total of 196 subjects. Due to significant methodological heterogeneity and differences in outcome measures it was not possible to summarise data in a meta-analysis. Only two of the studies reported a 50% or greater seizure reduction compared to placebo; 57.7% and 52.4%. Side effects were only described in two of the studies, reportedly present in 36% and 85% of patients.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by inconsistency (heterogeneity in methodology and outcomes) and by imprecise results (limited study size for each comparison).

References

  • Bresnahan R, Martin-McGill KJ, Williamson J et al. Clobazam add-on therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019;10():CD004154. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords