E-ISSN: 2792-0550
    The Efficacy of the Levetiracetam in Children with Intractable Epilepsy
    PDF
    Cite
    Share
    Request
    Original Article
    VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 1
    P: 1-8
    April 2011

    The Efficacy of the Levetiracetam in Children with Intractable Epilepsy

    Arch Epilepsy 2011;17(1):1-8
    DOI: 10.5505/epilepsi.2011.57441
    Salma İdris 1
    Nilüfer Eldeş Hacıfazlığlu 2
    Yüksel Yılmaz 2
    1. Department Of Pediatrics, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
    2. Department Of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
    No information available.
    No information available
    Accepted Date: 19.05.2011
    PDF
    Cite
    Share
    Request

    ABSTRACT

    Objectives:

    The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of levetiracetam, a new antiepileptic drug, as add-on treatment in children with intractable epilepsy.

    Methods:

    This retrospective study was performed in 53 children (aged 1-17.4 years, mean: 7.9 years) with intractable epilepsy were followed up for 16.8 months (1 month-4.3 years). The duration and frequency of seizures were documanted with standard interval.

    Results:

    At the end of the follow-up period, 26 patients (49.1%) were seizure free, the seizure frequency was markedly (>50%) decreased in 11 patients (20.8%). On the other hand, seizure frequency did not change in 11 patients (20.8%) and in 4 patients (7.5%) the seizure frequency increased. Levetiracetam was found to be efficant in 69.9% (37/53) of patients (seizure free or reduction >50% in seizure frequency). Thirtytwo percent of the patients had adverse effects and there was no statistically significant relationship between side effects and the dosage of drugs.

    Conclusion:

    Levetiracetam proved to be effective and well tolerable drug in children with refractory epilepsy.

    Keywords: Child, intractable epilepsy, levetiracetam

    References

    2024 ©️ Galenos Publishing House