A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Levetiracetam and Phenytoin in Pediatric Seizures

Epileptic seizures are among the most prevalent neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent, involuntary episodes caused by abnormal neuronal electrical activity. With an estimated 1% incidence and 2% prevalence, epilepsy remains a major concern, particularly in pediatric populations. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of phenytoin and levetiracetam in treating seizures among children presenting with various types of epilepsy.From April 2023 to March 2024, a comparative study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics at Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Center, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. Seventy-five pediatric patients, irrespective of gender, with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, were included. Detailed medical histories, demographic data, and relevant clinical parameters were collected and analyzed to assess the outcomes of treatment with either phenytoin or levetiracetam.The findings of the study revealed that phenytoin demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling seizures compared to levetiracetam across multiple clinical parameters. This suggests that phenytoin may provide more favorable outcomes in pediatric epilepsy management than levetiracetam when used under monitored clinical conditions.Based on the observed results, the study concludes that phenytoin has a more notable impact on seizure control in children compared to levetiracetam. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is recommended to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols in pediatric epilepsy.