Levetiracetam for the treatment of pediatric status epilepticus: A case series

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate if levetiracetam (LEV) is an effective agent in the treatment of status epilepticus (SE) in children, evaluate the dosing of LEV being used, and to record the incidence of adverse effects. A retrospective chart review was done for patients who had received LEV for the treatment of SE and grand mal seizure at a 180-bed academic pediatric teaching hospital. Patients met inclusion criteria if they had received LEV for the treatment of SE, and if the dose, administration time, and administration route were documented in their charts. The primary outcome was the rate of seizure cessation attributed to treatment with LEV. Additional data collected included overall rate of seizure cessation regardless of agent used, rate of seizure cessation based on age, type of seizure(s) experienced, history of intractable seizures, and where in the sequence of therapy LEV was used. A total of 20 of 51 patients met inclusion criteria and treatment with LEV resulted in seizure cessation in 15 patients (75%). The average dose received by patients was 37.5 mg/kg (range: 16–98.8 mg/kg) as an intravenous bolus. The adverse effects experienced were similar to what is described in the literature. LEV may be a successful first line or adjunct treatment for pediatric patients in SE regardless of the patients’ age, type of seizure, or history of intractable epilepsy. It also appears to be a safe treatment option. Optimal dosing still needs to be defined.

Keywords

Levetiracetam - status epilepticus