Intravenous Levetiracetam for Epileptic Seizure Emergencies in Older People

Purpose and Background: Clinical experience with intravenous levetiracetam (LEV IV) is still very limited, especially in elderly subjects. The primary objective of this retrospective observational study was to describe the efficacy and tolerability of LEV IV in older patients presenting with epileptic seizure emergencies. Methods: Medical records of 14 older people treated with LEV IV were analysed retrospectively. All patients suffered from series of complex partial seizures or convulsive or non-convulsive status epilepticus needing emergent intravenous (IV) antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. Nine patients were taking AED therapy when LEV IV was administered. Results: Mean age was 73.9 years (range 61-97). Mean dosage was 1,643 mg/day (range 500-4,000). Seizure control could be achieved in 11/14 patients (78.6%). No significant adverse events were noted besides sedation. Conclusion: LEV IV was effective and well tolerated in these critically ill older patients. LEV IV seems to be a reasonable practical alternative in multimorbid older patients who need IV treatment with an AED. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel