Response of Infantile Spasms to Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is a suitable drug for investigation in infantile spasms (IS) because it is effective against multiple seizure types, does not have systemic toxicity, has favorable kinetics, and had efficacy against IS in two previous cases.1–3 Here we report our experience in seven cases. ### Methods. Seven patients (six boys) were studied. Inclusion criteria were IS refractory to ≥2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) including vigabatrin and ACTH unless either was contraindicated due to the patient's medical status and family willing and able to accurately report seizure frequency and side effects. Exclusion criteria were history of other significant serious medical disease, history of poor compliance, and use of an investigational drug within <30 days of levetiracetam. Dose was 20 mg/kg/day then increased in weekly increments to 80 mg/kg/day, then individualized. Follow-up was once/month starting 1 month before levetiracetam and for 3 months after starting it, then once/3 months up to 12 months, unless the patient was dropped out due to the necessity of stopping levetiracetam …