Efficacy of levetiracetam in children with epilepsy younger than 2 years of age

Despite the high incidence of epilepsy in very young children, the availability of approved antiepileptic drugs for this population is limited. This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in children younger than 2 years of age with various types of epilepsy. A single-center, retrospective chart review of 28 patients ranging in age from 2 weeks to 22 months treated with levetiracetam over a 2.5-year period was conducted. The mean dosage of levetiracetam was 39 mg/kg per day, and the mean duration of treatment was 6.3 months. The majority of patients (54%) were also taking 1 or 2 other antiepileptic drugs. A reduction in seizure frequency was found in 54%, with 14% achieving seizure freedom. Eight patients showed no response to levetiracetam treatment. Efficacy was highest among patients with generalized epilepsy. Adverse effects occurred in 2 patients and were behavioral in nature. Levetiracetam treatment was safe and effective in this group of very young patients with various types of epilepsy.