Effect of Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Refractory Seizure in Infants through EEG: The Case of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Tehran’s Children’s Medical Center
Journal Title: Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International - Year 2017, Vol 18, Issue 1
Abstract
Objective: Phenobarbital, phenytoin and Benzodiazepins are the most common treatments for resistant neonatal seizure [1]. Drug of choice in the treatment of neonatal seizure should be more effective and have fewer side effects. This study examines the effect of Levetriacetam (LEV) in the treatment of resistant neonatal seizure, using EEG (electroencephalogram). Methods: This is a clinical trial study that lasted 1 year, from March 2016 to March 2017. 20 neonates with early detection of seizure were hospitalized at the NICU of Children’s Medical Center in Tehran. These neonates included both term and preterm neonates over 30 weeks and more than 2000 gr, who did not respond to a single dose of Phenobarbital and Phenytoin. The results of statistical tests were analyzed and significant level was considered (p<0.05). Results: 85% of the patients were male with average age of 13 days. The most common cause of seizure in 45% cases was Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). 65% of the newborns were seizure free after 24 hours of taking LEV whereas 80% of them after 72 hours. The 3 neonates who did not respond to LEV were endotracheal intubation. The average loading dose of LEV was 32±10.5, and the average maintenance dose was 18±8.3. No side effects were observed in using LEV. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that LEV is effective in unresponsive seizure to Phenobarbital and Phenytoin. It can, equally, reduce seizure frequency in newborns. Due to very low side effects and transient, it can also be used as a second-line therapy in the treatment of resistant neonatal seizure. However, multi-centered studies with a higher sample volume in the form of clinical trial are needed for further investigations on this topic.
Authors and Affiliations
Malihe Kadivar, Mahboobeh Mohammadi, Ziba Mosayebi, Reza Shervinbadv, Raziee Sangsari, Bahram Yarali
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP312873
- DOI 10.9734/JPRI/2017/33922
- Views 116
- Downloads 0
Fungal Metabolites and Leishmaniasis: A Review
Among the most neglected tropical diseases in the world, one is leishmaniasis, which is caused by parasites that belongs to protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Leishmaniasis can be controlled profoundly by using chemothe...
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Urinary Isolates from Patients with Indwelling Urinary Catheter Diagnosed of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria
Antimicrobial resistance is increasing daily and a cause of major challenges in many countries. Indiscriminate antibiotic prescription is associated to a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The incidence...
In vitro Doses and Incubations Dependent Thrombolytic Potential Study of Edible Mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinula edodes Available in Bangladesh
Aims: The study was carried out to investigate the thrombolytic potential of methanolic extracts of edible mushrooms. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Primeasia...
Phytochemical and Biological Evaluations of Methanolic Extract of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (Vill.) Brenan
Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (AMGRS) has traditionally been used a folk medicine in the treatment of inflammation, gonorrhea and piles without scientific evidence. Therefore, methanolic (MeOH) extract of AMGRS...
Tricyclic Pyrazoles: Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial, Antituberculosis, and Antitumor Activity of N,1-Diphenyl-1,4-dihydrothiochro-meno[4,3-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide-5,5-dioxide Derivatives
Aims: A series of N,1-diphenyl-1,4-dihydrothiochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide 5,5-dioxide derivatives (6a-m) were synthesized and evaluated for anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. Methodology: React...