J Korean Epilepsy Soc.  2009 Jun;13(1):3-7.

Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam in Children Younger than 4 Years with Intractable Epilepsy

• Kim SH
• Lim BC
• Cho A
• Chae JH
• Hwang YS
• Kim KJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children younger than 4 years with intractable epilepsy.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of pediatric epilepsy patients was performed. Data were obtained from the medical records of 30 patients (male 19, female 11) with intractable epilepsy, who were treated with levetiracetam.
RESULTS
Seizure types were partial in 18, and generalized in 12. Fifteen patients had symptomatic etiologies. The median age of the patients at the time of levetiracetam administration was 26 months old (range: 4-47 months). The median starting dose was 13 mg/kg/ day, and the median maintenance dose was 52 mg/kg/day (range: 10-123 mg/kg/day). Ten (10/30, 33%) patients experienced more than 50% reduction in seizure frequency, and 4 (4/30, 13%) partial epilepsy patients became seizure-free. Eight partial epilepsy patients (44%) had more than 50% seizure reduction, while 2 patients (17%) with generalized epilepsy did. All of patients with infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome except one, had less than 50% reduction in seizure frequency. Adverse events reported in 8 patients (27%), included lethargy, behavioral problems, sleep disturbance, and seizure aggravation.
CONCLUSIONS
Levetiracetam is effective in children aged 4 years or less with intractable epilepsy, and also seems to be safe to use in this age group.

Keyword

Levetiracetam; Anticonvulsants; Intractable epilepsy; Infant; Preschool child

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anticonvulsants
Child
Child, Preschool
Epilepsies, Partial
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Generalized
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Intellectual Disability
Lethargy
Medical Records
Piracetam
Retrospective Studies
Seizures
Spasms, Infantile
Anticonvulsants
Intellectual Disability
Piracetam
Spasms, Infantile