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.