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The treatment of neonatal seizures: focus on Levetiracetam

Giulia Loiacono1, Marco Masci2, Gaetano Zaccara3

  • 1a Department of Pediatrics , University of Chieti , Chieti , Italy .

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|November 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Levetiracetam (LEV) shows promise for treating neonatal seizures, offering an alternative to traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Further research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Neonatal seizures are a significant concern in the first month of life.
  • Phenobarbital and phenytoin are established treatments but have limitations.
  • Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) with a novel mechanism of action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on the use of Levetiracetam (LEV) for neonatal seizures.
  • To analyze LEV's pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability in neonates.
  • To identify gaps in current research regarding LEV in neonatal critical care.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical trials, including prospective, retrospective, and comparative studies.
  • Evaluation of pharmacokinetic studies focusing on LEV.
  • Analysis of data on LEV dosage, administration routes, and side effects in neonatal populations.

Main Results:

  • Several studies report successful neonatal seizure control with LEV in specific clinical contexts.
  • Data suggests LEV has a role in managing neonatal seizures.
  • Limitations exist in current studies evaluating LEV's efficacy and safety profile.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam (LEV) appears to be a promising antiepileptic drug (AED) for neonatal seizures.
  • Further robust studies are essential to definitively establish LEV's efficacy and tolerability in both term and preterm neonates.
  • LEV may offer a valuable alternative or adjunct therapy in neonatal critical care.

Keywords:
Antiepileptic drugLevetiracetamefficacyepilepsyneonatal seizurestolerability

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