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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Published on: June 23, 2022
Serum concentration/dose ratio of levetiracetam before, during and after pregnancy
Andreas Austgulen Westin1, Arne Reimers, Grethe Helde
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Olavs Hospital, Olav Kyrres gate 17, N-7006 Trondheim, Norway. andreas.westin@legemidler.no
Purpose:
To investigate changes in levetiracetam (LEV) serum concentration/dose ratio (C/D-ratio) in relation to pregnancy.
Methods:
Altogether 21 consecutive pregnancies in 20 women with epilepsy receiving LEV during gestation were studied retrospectively. The main target variable was the C/D-ratio before and during pregnancy, and in the post partum period. Secondary target variables were changes in LEV dose, concomitant use of other antiepileptic drugs and seizure frequency. Student's paired t-test and two-sample t-test for independent samples were used to test for statistically significant changes in C/D-ratio means.
Results:
Mean C/D-ratio in the third trimester was 50% of the mean C/D-ratio at baseline (p<0.001, n=11). Baseline levels were reached within the first weeks after pregnancy. The interindividual variability was pronounced.
Conclusions:
Serum concentrations of LEV declined significantly in the third trimester of pregnancy and increased rapidly after delivery.
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