Abstract

Objective: Levetiracetam (LEV) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug widely used in pediatric epilepsy due to its favorable pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of LEV treatment in children with epilepsy.

Material and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy and treated with LEV at a tertiary pediatric neurology center. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on seizure frequency reduction of more than 50% or complete seizure freedom. The occurrence and types of adverse effects were also analyzed. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression models.

Results: A total of 101 patients were included in the study. LEV was initiated as the first antiepileptic drug in 9.9% of patients. By the end of the follow-up, 34.7% remained on LEV treatment, and 11.9% discontinued LEV. LEV was effective in 72.3% of patients, with 38.0% achieving complete seizure freedom. The drug was significantly more effective in patients older than four years and those with a lower pre-treatment seizure frequency. The mean LEV dose was 24.8 mg/kg/day in the effective group and 33.8 mg/kg/day in the ineffective group. Adverse effects were observed in 45.5% of patients, with the most common being drowsiness, irritability, and fatigue. Patients with a prior history of adverse reactions to other antiepileptic drugs had a significantly higher likelihood of developing side effects with LEV.

Conclusion: Levetiracetam (LEV) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for childhood epilepsy, with high efficacy rates and a manageable safety profile. Older children, those receiving lower doses, and those with a lower pre-treatment seizure burden demonstrated better treatment outcomes. Careful monitoring is necessary for patients with a history of adverse reactions to other anti-epileptic drugs.

Keywords: Antiepileptic drugs, children, epilepsy, levetiracetam, seizure control, safety, tolerability

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How to cite

1.
Toksöz A, Teber S. Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam treatment in childhood epilepsy. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 19 [cited 2025 Aug. 23];:1-5. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/1221