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Levetiracetam in Neonatal Seizures As First-Line Treatment: A Prospective Study Publisher



Falsaperla R1 ; Vitaliti G1, 6 ; Mauceri L1 ; Romano C1 ; Pavone P1 ; Motamedgorji N2 ; Matin N3 ; Lubrano R4 ; Corsello G5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Pediatrics, General Paediatrics Operative Unit, University of Catania, Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital, Catania, Italy
  2. 2. School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
  4. 4. Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Nephrology Operative Unit, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
  5. 5. Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
  6. 6. AOU Policlinico-OVE, Via Plebiscito, n. 628, Catania, 95100, Italy

Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences Published:2017


Abstract

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) as first-line treatment of neonatal seizures. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in patients of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Santo Bambino Hospital, University of Catania, Italy, from January to August 2016. A total of 16 neonates with convulsions not associated with major syndromes, which required anticonvulsant therapy, were included and underwent IV LEV at standard doses. Results: All patients responded to treatment, with a variety range of seizure resolution period (from 24 h to 15 days; mean hours: 96 ± 110.95). No patient required a second anticonvulsant therapy. Regarding safety of LEV, no major side-effects were observed. Conclusions: To our knowledge, it is one of the few studies confirming the efficiency of LEV as first-line treatment in seizures of this age group. LEV was effective in resolving seizures and was safely administered in the current study. © 2017 Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.