Effectiveness of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
• Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug used for various seizure types.
• Monotherapy is often preferred to minimize polypharmacy side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and retention of levetiracetam monotherapy in pediatric epilepsy patients.
• To determine seizure freedom rates and identify common adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 102 pediatric epilepsy patients.
• Data collected from two tertiary epilepsy centers over 11 years.
• Analysis of retention rates, seizure freedom, and adverse effects.

Main Results:

• 6-month retention rate was 61.1%; 12-month retention rate was 53.1%.
• 46.8% achieved seizure freedom at 6 months; 41.2% at 12 months.
• 32.4% reported adverse effects, primarily irritability, moodiness, and depression.

Conclusions:

• Levetiracetam monotherapy demonstrates potential efficacy in children with epilepsy.
• Adverse effects are relatively common but manageable.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm findings.