LevetiracetamAn open-label trial in the USA shows levetiracetam to be safe and effective as an adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant partial-onset seizures in children 6-12 years of age. Researchers from various institutions in Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia and California found that adjunctive levetiracetam therapy at 20-40 mg/kg per day is well tolerated in children with the condition.
Participants in the study included 24 children with treatment-resistant partial-onset seizures who were receiving 1 standard anti-seizure medication (AED). After a 4-week baseline period, they were given levetiracetam during a 6-week titration phase, with a target dose of 40 mg/kg per day.
During the following 8-week evaluation phase, researchers compared seizure frequency with individualised levetiracetam doses of 20-40 mg/kg per day to the 4-week baseline seizure frequency. Potential drug interactions were evaluated by analyzing plasma concentrations of levetiracetam and other AEDs.
Of the 24 participants, 23 entered and 22 completed the evaluation phase. Compared with their baseline seizure frequency, 12 participants (52%) had a 50% decrease in seizure frequency during the evaluation period. During this period, 2 children had no seizures.
Levetiracetam did not significantly affect plasma concentration levels of any concomitant AED and no alteration was observed in mean clinical laboratory values.
During this study, the most commonly reported adverse events were headache, infection, anorexia, and somnolence.
The researchers conclude that a randomised, placebo controlled, double-blind trial is needed to confirm these findings.
Source
Epilepsia 2002,43(5),518-524. "Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam in Children with Partial Seizures: An Open-label Trial"
