The Effect of Long-term Levetiracetam Use on Changes in ECG in Patients with Pediatric Epilepsy

Various mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease, including ion channel dysfunction.Ion channels represent the basis of neurons electrophysiological excitability and communication, while functional disturbance is thought to be capable of triggering epileptic seizures by affecting the excitability of the brain. 4art rate and blood pressure abnormalities may sometimes be seen in addition to seizures in patients with epilepsy. 5,6While studies have suggested that epilepsy alters the QT interval and QTc, levetiracetam has been reported to exhibit a protective effect in the pediatric population. [7][8]9][10] Levetiracetam is a safe and relatively low-cost drug capable of being used in various types of epilepsy, and one that exhibits less interaction with other antiseizure agents. 11Its principal side-effects are nasopharyngitis, somnolence, headache, dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, diarrhea, and constipation, although severe side-effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, liver failure, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hematological disorders, aggression, and attempted suicide can also be seen. [12][13]3][14][15] Cardiovascular side-effects and arrhythmias can also occur during levetiracetam use. 10 In recent years, it has been reported that it is capable of altering the QT interval and even causing torsades de pointes.CredibleMeds added levetiracetam to the list of drugs involving a risk of potential QT prolongation and torsades de pointes on 11 September 2022. [16][17][18][19] The effects of levetiracetam on cardiac conduction and electrophysiology and the probable effect mechanism are still unclear.The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate (beats/min), PR interval, QTc, QT interval, and QRS duration parameters at electrocardiography (ECG) performed before treatment and in the second year of treatment on patients diagnosed with epilepsy and started on levetiracetam monotherapy.