Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in infants and young children with refractory epilepsy

The aim of this multicentric, retrospective, and uncontrolled study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) in 81 children younger than 4 years with refractory epilepsy. At an average follow-up period of 9 months, LEV administration was found to be effective in 30% of patients (responders showing more than a 50% decrease in seizure frequency) of whom 10 (12%) became seizure free. This efficacy was observed for focal (46%) as well as for generalized seizures (42%). In addition, in a group of 48 patients, we compared the initial efficacy (evaluated at an average of 3 months of follow-up) and the retention at a mean of 12 months of LEV, with regard to loss of efficacy (defined as the return to the baseline seizure frequency). Twenty-two patients (46%) were initial responders. After a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, 9 of 48 patients (19%) maintained the improvement, 4 (8%) of whom remained seizure free. A loss of efficacy was observed in 13 of the initial responders (59%). Maintained LEV efficacy was noted in patients with focal epilepsy and West syndrome. LEV was well tolerated. Adverse events were seen in 18 (34%) patients. The main side effects were drowsiness and nervousness. Adverse events were either tolerable or resolved in time with dosage reduction or discontinuation of the drug. We conclude that LEV is safe and effective for a wide range of epileptic seizures and epilepsy syndromes and, therefore, represents a valid therapeutic option in infants and young children affected by epilepsy.