Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam for Epilepsy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveTo investigate and validate the clinical efficacy and safety of levetiracetam intervention drug administered as a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in treating children below 18 years of age diagnosed with epilepsy.MethodsOnline databases (PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE) were electronically searched with Keywords and MeSH terms including pediatric, child, neonate, seizure, epilepsy, anticonvulsive, levetiracetam, and Keppra from inception to September 2022 to establish high-quality studies for inclusion in this study. The data were extracted, and outcomes were measured on seizure-free rates, a seizure-frequency reduction from baseline (≥50% reduction rates), and the adverse effects. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan version 5.4 software.ResultsAfter being ascertained based on the predetermined eligibility criteria, a total of 14 articles were finally included in this meta-analysis. Based on the pooled meta-analysis results of different outcomes, the study suggested a superior efficacy and safety profile of levetiracetam over placebo or other AEDs. Some forms of minor adverse events were also associated with AED drug administration. Compared with others, such as PHB and COX, the incidences of adverse events were substantially lower in levetiracetam, making it safe for children.ConclusionThe meta-analysis concluded that levetiracetam was clinically effective and safe in treating epilepsy in children.