The treatment of neonatal seizures: focus on Levetiracetam

Abstract

Neonatal crises are a common problem in the first month, where phenobarbital and phenytoin are still the most frequently used medication in treatment. Whereas, Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) with an innovative action. Our present review is updated on the current literature regarding the use of LEV in neonatal seizures treatment. The available data is analyzed to assess LEV pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerability in neonatal crises treatment. Several clinical trials, prospective and retrospective, comparative and pharmacokinetic studies were evaluated in LEV pharmacokinetics, efficacy, dosage, route of administration and side effects. Many cases were reported on neonatal seizures control in using LEV in certain clinical conditions. In spite of the limitations in current studies available, which have evaluated LEV efficacy and safety in neonatal crises treatment, the authors still believe that LEV seems to be a promising and useful AED in the treatment for neonatal seizures, but likewise further studies are required to better define LEV efficacy and tolerability in term and preterm neonates.

Keywords: Antiepileptic drug; Levetiracetam; efficacy; epilepsy; neonatal seizures; tolerability.