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Levetiracetam in pediatrics

Federico Vigevano1

  • 1Neurology Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. vigevano@opbg.net

Journal of Child Neurology
|March 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Levetiracetam is an effective antiepileptic drug for children, showing promise for generalized epilepsy. While generally well-tolerated, careful titration is advised to manage potential behavioral side effects and seizure increases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Levetiracetam's efficacy and tolerability are established in adults.
  • Limited data exists on its use in pediatric populations.
  • This review synthesizes international literature on levetiracetam's pediatric indications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and report potential indications for levetiracetam in childhood epilepsy.
  • To consolidate existing evidence on levetiracetam's use in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of international literature.
  • Analysis of studies on levetiracetam's efficacy and tolerability in children.
  • Evaluation of treatment outcomes for various epilepsy types.

Main Results:

  • Levetiracetam demonstrates efficacy in partial and generalized epilepsy.
  • In resistant partial epilepsy, response rates are 64%, with 8-23% seizure-free.
  • Effective for photosensitivity, epileptic, and nonepileptic myoclonus.
  • Most frequent side effects are behavioral, particularly in patients with prior issues.
  • Slow titration can mitigate seizure increase adverse reactions.
  • Recommended pediatric doses are 130-140% of adult doses.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam exhibits a broad spectrum of action in pediatric epilepsy.
  • The drug is generally well-tolerated in children.
  • Efficacy against generalized epilepsy is particularly promising for childhood use.

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