Tolerability and Efficacy of Levetiracetam in Children
Abstract number :
1.290
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
2753
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
M.J. Strunc, M.D., Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO; P.M. Levisohn, M.D., Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
RATIONALE: Levetiracetam(LVT) is a novel anticonvulsant recently approved for adjunctive therapy for adults with partial seizures. There is little published data concerning its tolerability and efficacy in children. We reviewed our experience with patients who have been placed on LVT to assess tolerability and efficacy in pediatric patients with poorly controlled epilepsy.
METHODS: Nineteen children, mean age 10 years, range 2-18 years, were treated with LVT at The Children[ssquote]s Hospital, Denver, between August 2000-April 2001. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine tolerability and efficacy of LVT.
RESULTS: Two patients had idiopathic primary generalized epilepsy; 17 patients had symptomatic localization-related epilepsy. All patients were receiving at least one other AED. 9/19(47%) patients reported a satisfactory decrease in seizure frequency: 4(21%) patients becoming seizure free, and 5(26%) having [gt]50% reduction in seizures. The 2 patients with primary generalized epilepsy became seizure free. Five patients discontinued LVT. Duration of treatment before discontinuation was 3 days to 8 months. Discontinuation was due to behavioral and cognitive effects in 2, lack of efficacy in 1, and unrelated to medication in 2. Of those remaining on LVT, 2 patients decreased dosage due to behavioral side effects. One patient reported no change in seizure frequency, but experienced behavioral improvement. Two patients have not been treated for a sufficient time to determine efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS: LVT is well tolerated in children. Our preliminary data suggests efficacy for idiopathic primary generalized epilepsy as well as localization-related epilepsy.
Disclosure: Grant - Dr. Levisohn participates in a clinical trial funded by UCBPharma.