Abstracts

Levetiracetam is a relatively new antiepileptic medication. Initial monotherapy in young children has not been evaluated extensively. This report addresses the use of levetiracetam in children 3 years old and younger, as initial treatment. Charts of children were reviewed alphbetically until 25 were found with levetiracetam as the initial treatment for epilepsy. To be included, the child had to be 3 years old or younger, have the diagnosis of epilepsy. They could only have been treated to stop an acute seizure, for example in the emergency room, but not with a chronic medication. The charts were reviewed for seizure characteristics, demographics, does, adverse side effects, and effectiveness. There were 14 females, 11 males, mean age 17 months. 24 had complex partial or partial secondarily generalized seizures, one had myoclonic seizures. All but 6 had abnormal EEG. Average duration of follow-up was 12.7 months, and 21(84%) were seizure free. The mean dose of levetiracetam was 32.2 mg/kg. Three reported adverse effects, 1 rash, 2 bad behavior. The child with myoclonic seizures did not bennefit from treatment. Levetiracetam was effective and well tolerated as initial monotherapy in young children and infants with partial onset seizures. It was easy to administer as either liquid form or as tablets dissolved or crushed, and all patients were treated on a bid schedule.