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Levetiracetam in neonatal seizures: a review

Allison L Mruk1, Karen L Garlitz2, Noelle R Leung2

  • 1Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California.

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics : JPPT : the Official Journal of PPAG
|May 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Levetiracetam shows promise for treating neonatal seizures, offering a safer alternative to phenobarbital and phenytoin. Its favorable profile suggests improved efficacy and reduced neurotoxicity in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric epilepsy

Background:

  • Phenobarbital and phenytoin are standard treatments for neonatal seizures.
  • These traditional agents exhibit limited efficacy (less than 50%) and potential neurotoxic effects.
  • Variable pharmacokinetics in neonates complicate their use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on levetiracetam's safety and efficacy in neonatal seizures.
  • To evaluate levetiracetam as a potential alternative to traditional antiepileptic drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on levetiracetam in neonatal populations.
  • Analysis of safety, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy data from published trials.

Main Results:

  • Levetiracetam has not been associated with neurotoxic effects like neuronal apoptosis.
  • Studies indicate favorable pharmacokinetic properties and positive efficacy outcomes in neonates.
  • Levetiracetam presents a potentially safer and effective option compared to phenobarbital and phenytoin.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam demonstrates a promising safety and efficacy profile for neonatal seizures.
  • Further research supports its consideration as a first-line or adjunctive therapy.

Keywords:
Keppralevetiracetamneonatesreviewseizures

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