Efficacy and safety of adjunctive levetiracetam therapy in pediatric intractable epilepsy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Childhood intractable epilepsy presents significant management challenges.
• Existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are often insufficient for controlling seizures in this population.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam as an adjunctive therapy in children with intractable epilepsy.
• To assess the impact of levetiracetam on seizure frequency and related variables.
• To determine the tolerability and retention rate of levetiracetam in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 130 children with intractable epilepsy (≥4 seizures/month) treated with levetiracetam for ≥6 months.
• Analysis of seizure reduction rates (≥50% reduction and seizure freedom).
• Evaluation of adverse events, demographic features, and treatment retention.

Main Results:

• 48% of patients achieved ≥50% seizure reduction; 22% became seizure-free.
• Efficacy was consistent across partial and generalized seizure types and unaffected by MRI findings or intellectual disability.
• The retention rate was 82%, with irritability being the most frequent adverse event (5%).

Conclusions:

• Levetiracetam is an effective adjunctive treatment for childhood intractable epilepsy.
• The safety profile of levetiracetam is favorable, with generally mild and manageable adverse effects.
• Levetiracetam offers a valuable therapeutic option for pediatric patients with refractory seizures.