COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SODIUM VALPROATE AND LEVETIRACETAM IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children. Sodium Valproate and Levetiracetam are widely used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with differing mechanisms of action, efficacy profiles, and side effect spectra. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of these two drugs in the management of childhood epilepsy. Material and Methods: A prospective, comparative clinical study was conducted on 100 children aged 2–16 years diagnosed with epilepsy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Sodium Valproate (n=50) or Levetiracetam (n=50). They were followed over a period of 6 months to assess seizure frequency reduction, treatment response, and incidence of adverse effects. Efficacy was evaluated based on seizure control (complete, partial, or no control), while safety was assessed through clinical monitoring and laboratory investigations.Results: Both groups showed significant reduction in seizure frequency. Complete seizure control was achieved in 60% of the Sodium Valproate group and 78% of the Levetiracetam group (p>0.05). Partial control was noted in 26% and 18%, respectively. Adverse effects were more common in the Sodium Valproate group (32%) compared to the Levetiracetam group (12%), with weight gain and gastrointestinal symptoms predominating in the former, and behavioral changes in the latter.Conclusion: Both Sodium Valproate and Levetiracetam are effective in managing childhood epilepsy. While their efficacy is comparable, Levetiracetam demonstrated a more favorable safety profile, making it a potentially better first-line option, especially in children sensitive to side effects.