Clinical experience using a rapid loading dose of levetiracetam in childhood epilepsy

Introduction: Levetiracetam is a new antiepileptic drug highly effective against partial and generalized seizures. LEV has an established safety profile as add-on and mono-therapy. This retrospective review discusses the efficacy and side effects of levetiracepam using a rapid loading dose in childhood epilepsy

Methods: LEV was dosed 20mg/kg and after 12h 30–40mg/kg. in 4 children aged 5 to 16 years presenting with different seizure types. In two cases it was administered as first-line monotherapy, both newly diagnosed with serial fokal seizures. LEV was given first line and seizures stopped completely after 12h of treatment. The other two children presenting with serial seizures received LEV as add-on medication to Valproic acid. In both cases, seizures were interrupted with one dose 20mg/kg LEV. In all cases LEV was well tolerated, mild somnolence being the maximal sequelae. No treatment was interrupted due to unacceptable side effects.

Discussion: There is large experience on effectiveness and high tolerance of LEV monotherapy in childhood epilepsy. However, to our knowledge, there is no experiences on rapid loading dose LEV effects on various partial seizure types. Further prospective data are required to confirm prove our preliminary experiences.