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.