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Saint‐Maxent M, Juette T, Parent J, Castel A, Parmentier T. Factors influencing serum concentrations of levetiracetam in dogs with epilepsy. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:2249-2256. [PMID: 38888491 PMCID: PMC11256123 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors affecting serum concentrations of levetiracetam in dogs are unknown and could affect the efficacy of levetiracetam in controlling seizures in dogs with epilepsy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Higher PO doses of levetiracetam will be needed in dogs to achieve serum concentrations shown to be effective in humans. Determine factors that could influence serum levetiracetam concentrations and justify dose adjustment in some epileptic dogs. ANIMALS Sixty-nine client-owned dogs with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam alone or in combination, based on 127 trough serum concentration measurements of levetiracetam. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of patient signalment and concurrent drug administration on serum concentrations of levetiracetam and the effect of serum concentration of levetiracetam on seizure frequency reduction. RESULTS The PO dose of levetiracetam significantly explained changes in serum levetiracetam concentration, and this causal link was stronger with monotherapy (R2 = 0.59, P < .001). Phenobarbital significantly decreased serum levetiracetam concentration in a dose dependent manner (R2 = 0.30, P = .003). Based on our model, a levetiracetam dosage of 99-216 mg/kg/day is necessary to obtain a serum levetiracetam concentration of 20 μg/mL when used alone or concurrently with 7 mg/kg/day of phenobarbital. No other factors were found to influence serum levetiracetam concentrations. No therapeutic range could be identified. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our data suggest that a dosage of 99-216 mg/kg/day of levetiracetam is needed to achieve a serum concentration known to be therapeutically effective in humans, especially when administered concomitantly with phenobarbital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Saint‐Maxent
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
- Present address:
Kleintierklinik, Vetsuisse‐FakultätUniversität BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Tristan Juette
- Vice‐décanat à la Recherche, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
| | - Joane Parent
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
| | - Aude Castel
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
| | - Thomas Parmentier
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et L'apprentissage (CIRCA)Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
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Lau A, Haag H, Maharaj A. A Simulation-Based Assessment of Levetiracetam Concentrations Following Fixed and Weight-Based Loading Doses: A Meta-Regression and Pharmacokinetic Modeling Analysis. J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38708556 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Current recommendations for refractory status epilepticus (SE) unresponsive to benzodiazepines suggest a loading dose of levetiracetam (LEV) of 60 mg/kg to a maximum of 4500 mg. LEV therapeutic drug monitoring can help guide therapy and is garnering increasing attention. The objective of this study is to simulate the probability of target attainment (PTA) of fixed dose and weight-based loading doses of LEV with respect to established therapeutic target concentrations. Meta-regression of the current literature was performed to evaluate the relationship between intravenous LEV loading dose and seizure cessation in refractory SE patients. A previously published pharmacokinetic model was used to simulate the PTA capacity of competing single intravenous dosing schemes (fixed vs weight-based dosing) to achieve maximum (Cpeak) and 12-h (C12h) plasma concentrations that exceed 12 mg/L. The meta-regression indicated that dosage was not a statistically significant modulator of seizure control at dosages between 20 and 60 mg/kg. Stochastic simulations showed all dosing schemes achieved plasma Cpeak >12 mg/L, but C12h levels were <12 mg/L in subjects over 60 kg with a fixed dose ≤2000 mg or in subjects <60 kg with a weight-based dose <30 mg/kg. Dosages of 40 and 60 mg/kg provided ≥90% PTAs across all weights. Using a weight-based loading dose of 40 mg/kg, up to a suggested maximum of 4500 mg, improves the likelihood of achieving a sustained therapeutic drug concentration after the initial LEV dose, whereas fixed <3000 mg may not achieve the desired concentration before maintenance dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Lau
- Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hans Haag
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Infectious Disease, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anil Maharaj
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Guignet M, Vuong J, Martinez A, Ballapapinan T, White HS. Temporal relationship between levetiracetam nonadherence and breakthrough seizures in a preclinical model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2024; 65:497-510. [PMID: 38031477 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor medication adherence remains a concern for individuals managing their epilepsy with antiseizure medicines (ASMs); however, ethical concerns around withholding medication make it impossible to study the causal relationship between missed doses and seizures in patients. Previous preclinical studies from our group suggest that mechanistically distinct ASMs have varying degrees of forgiveness when a dose is missed. However, with only a few ASMs studied in the context of nonadherence, we sought to expand on previous work to understand the relationship between levetiracetam (LEV) nonadherence and breakthrough seizures. METHODS Chronic oral dosing was initiated in rats with established epilepsy via our automated medication-in-food delivery system coupled to 24/7 video-electroencephalographic recording. Baseline seizure burden was established for 4 weeks before enrolling subjects into a 4-week treatment period with LEV in a 100% fully adherent (75 mg/kg four times daily) or 50% variably adherent paradigm. The temporal relationship between missed doses and breakthrough seizures was correlated with LEV plasma and brain concentrations in separate cohorts of animals. RESULTS Full adherence to LEV significantly improved seizure control by 50% in half of the animals. Poor adherence worsened seizure frequency by 85%, with most rats having more severe seizures that formed in clusters following missed doses. LEV concentrations remained below therapeutic levels (<10 μg/mL) in nonadherent animals, with brain and plasma levels directly correlating with the degree of adherence in a 24-h period. Missed doses of LEV immediately increased the risk of breakthrough seizures; however, this risk was significantly reduced with improved adherence in a 24-h period. SIGNIFICANCE These findings enhance our understanding of ASM nonadherence in preclinical models, highlighting that the timing of missed doses and their impact on seizures may vary between different ASMs. Notably, LEV demonstrates a robust pharmacokinetic reliance on missed doses leading to breakthrough seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Guignet
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jonathan Vuong
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alejandra Martinez
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ticha Ballapapinan
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - H Steve White
- Center for Epilepsy Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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4
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Cook AM, Hall K, Kolpek JH, Morbitzer KA, Jordan JD, Rhoney DH. Enhanced renal clearance impacts levetiracetam concentrations in patients with traumatic brain injury with and without augmented renal clearance. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:12. [PMID: 38166710 PMCID: PMC10759330 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03515-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ARC on levetiracetam concentrations during the first week following acute TBI. The hypothesis was levetiracetam concentrations are significantly lower in TBI patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) compared to those with normal renal clearance. METHODS This is a prospective cohort pharmacokinetic study of adults with moderate to severe TBI treated with levetiracetam during the first week after injury. Serial blood collections were performed daily for analysis of levetiracetam, cystatin C, and 12-hr creatinine clearance (CrCl) determinations. Patients were divided into two cohorts: with (CrCl ≥130 ml/min/1.73 m2) and without ARC. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with moderate to severe TBI were included. The population consisted primarily of young male patients with severe TBI (mean age 40 years old, 68% male, median admission GCS 4). Each received levetiracetam 1000 mg IV every 12 h for the study period. ARC was present in 77.3% of patients, with significantly lower levetiracetam concentrations in ARC patients and below the conservative therapeutic range (< 6mcg/mL) for all study days. In patients without ARC, the serum concentrations were also below the expected range on all but two study days (Days 4 and 5). Four of the 22 (18.2%) patients exhibited seizure activity during the study period (two of these patients exhibited ARC). Cystatin C concentrations were significantly lower in patients with ARC, though the mean for all patients was within the typical normal range. CONCLUSIONS ARC has a high prevalence in patients with moderate to severe TBI. Levetiracetam concentrations after standard dosing were low in all TBI patients, but significantly lower in patients with ARC. This study highlights the need to consider personalized drug dosing in TBI patients irrespective of the presence of ARC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered at cliicaltrials.gov (NCT02437838) Registered on 08/05/2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02437838 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Cook
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
- Pharmacy Services UKHealthCare, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kaylee Hall
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jimmi Hatton Kolpek
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kathryn A Morbitzer
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7574, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - J Dedrick Jordan
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Denise H Rhoney
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7574, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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5
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Zimmerman KO, Wu H, Maharaj A, Turner A, Chen JY, Hornik CD, Arnold S, Muller W, Al-Uzri A, Meyer M, Shiloh-Malawsky Y, Taravath S, Lakhotia A, Joshi C, Jackman J, Hornik CP. Pharmacokinetics and Proposed Dosing of Levetiracetam in Children With Obesity. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2023; 28:693-703. [PMID: 38094673 PMCID: PMC10715382 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-28.8.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterize levetiracetam pharmacokinetics (PK) in children with obesity to inform dosing. METHODS Children 2 to <21 years old receiving standard of care oral levetiracetam across two opportunistic studies provided blood samples. Levetiracetam plasma PK data were analyzed with a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. Indirect measures for body size and covariates were tested for model inclusion. Individual empirical Bayesian estimates using the final model parameters were compared by obesity status. Monte Carlo simulation using total body weight was performed in children with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate to identify dosing for children with obesity that resulted in comparable exposures to normal weight adults and children after receiving label dosing. RESULTS The population PK model was developed from 341 plasma concentrations from 169 children. A 1-compartment model best fit the data with fat-free mass as a significant covariate. Compared with children with normal weight, children with obesity had significantly lower body weight-normalized clearance (median [range], 4.77 [1.49-10.44] and 3.71 [0.86-13.55] L/h/70 kg, respectively). After label dosing with the oral formulation in children with obesity 4 to <16 years old, maximum and minimum steady-state concentrations were higher (25% and 41%, respectively [oral solution] and 27% and 19%, respectively [tablet]) compared with children with normal weight. Comparable exposures between children with and without obesity were achieved with weight-tiered dosing regimens of <75 kg or ≥75 kg. CONCLUSIONS Weight-tiered dosing for levetiracetam oral solution and tablets for children with obesity 4 to <16 years old results in more comparable exposures to children of normal weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanecia O. Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Huali Wu
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Anil Maharaj
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (AM), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Turner
- Undergraduate Student (AT), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jia-Yuh Chen
- Senior Biostatistician (JYC), The EMMES Corporation, Rockville, MD
| | - Chi D. Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Susan Arnold
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics (SA), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX
| | - William Muller
- Infectious Disease (WM), Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Amira Al-Uzri
- Pediatric Nephrology (AA-U), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Marisa Meyer
- Pediatric Critical Care (MM), Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE
| | - Yael Shiloh-Malawsky
- Department of Neurology (YS-M), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Arpita Lakhotia
- Pediatric Neurology (AL), Norton Children’s Hospital and University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Charuta Joshi
- Pediatric Neurology (CJ), The Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Jennifer Jackman
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Christoph P. Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics (KOZ, CDH, CPH), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (KOZ, HW, CDH, JJ, CPH), Duke University, Durham, NC
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Lim SN, Wu T, Chang CW, Johnny Tseng WE, Cheng MY, Hsieh HY, Lee CH, Lin WR, Liu CJ, Chen PR, Lin CN. Clinical impact of therapeutic drug monitoring for newer anti-seizure medications in patients with epilepsy: A real-world observation study. Biomed J 2023:100680. [PMID: 38036171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical value of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for newer anti-seizure medications (ASMs) remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the impact of newer ASM TDM on clinical decision making in patients with epilepsy. METHODS We retrospectively identified all plasma requests for newer ASM level measurement as part of routine clinical management in the outpatient departments of seven medical institutes across Taiwan between September 2016 and May 2019. Data collected from reviewed medical records included clinical and medication details, indications for TDM request, test results, interpretation, and impact on patient management. RESULTS A total of 682 visits with 1051 plasma samples were included. The most frequently analyzed ASMs were levetiracetam (36.1%), oxcarbazepine (18.4%), and lamotrigine (12.0%). Reasons for TDM included poorly controlled seizures (55.3%), concerns about drug-drug interactions (12.3%), and suspicion of drug overdose (10.6%). 68.8% of samples were within the orienting therapeutic range, even for patients with poorly controlled seizures. TDM for non-adherence concerns showed 54.3% below the orienting therapeutic range, while ASM-related adverse events assessment only 8.9% showed levels exceeding the orienting therapeutic range. Following TDM results, 64.2% of cases had medication adjustments, mainly dosage increases. Overall, 55.9% of newer ASM TDM visit showed improved outcomes, including reduced seizures (47.5%) and fewer ASM-related side effects (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that appropriate utilization of TDM for newer ASMs provides clinical benefits in adjunct to complement clinical decision making in the management of epilepsy patients in a real-world clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Na Lim
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Tony Wu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Johnny Tseng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yun Cheng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yao Hsieh
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lee
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jing Liu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ru Chen
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ni Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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7
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Saletti PG, Mowrey WB, Liu W, Li Q, McCullough J, Aniceto R, Lin I, Eklund M, Casillas‐Espinosa PM, Ali I, Santana‐Gomez C, Coles L, Shultz SR, Jones N, Staba R, O'Brien TJ, Moshé SL, Agoston DV, Galanopoulou AS. Early preclinical plasma protein biomarkers of brain trauma are influenced by early seizures and levetiracetam. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:586-608. [PMID: 37026764 PMCID: PMC10235584 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We used the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to identify early plasma biomarkers predicting injury, early post-traumatic seizures or neuromotor functional recovery (neuroscores), considering the effect of levetiracetam, which is commonly given after severe TBI. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left parietal LFPI, received levetiracetam (200 mg/kg bolus, 200 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for 7 days [7d]) or vehicle post-LFPI, and were continuously video-EEG recorded (n = 14/group). Sham (craniotomy only, n = 6), and naïve controls (n = 10) were also used. Neuroscores and plasma collection were done at 2d or 7d post-LFPI or equivalent timepoints in sham/naïve. Plasma protein biomarker levels were determined by reverse phase protein microarray and classified according to injury severity (LFPI vs. sham/control), levetiracetam treatment, early seizures, and 2d-to-7d neuroscore recovery, using machine learning. RESULTS Low 2d plasma levels of Thr231 -phosphorylated tau protein (pTAU-Thr231 ) and S100B combined (ROC AUC = 0.7790) predicted prior craniotomy surgery (diagnostic biomarker). Levetiracetam-treated LFPI rats were differentiated from vehicle treated by the 2d-HMGB1, 2d-pTAU-Thr231 , and 2d-UCHL1 plasma levels combined (ROC AUC = 0.9394) (pharmacodynamic biomarker). Levetiracetam prevented the seizure effects on two biomarkers that predicted early seizures only among vehicle-treated LFPI rats: pTAU-Thr231 (ROC AUC = 1) and UCHL1 (ROC AUC = 0.8333) (prognostic biomarker of early seizures among vehicle-treated LFPI rats). Levetiracetam-resistant early seizures were predicted by high 2d-IFNγ plasma levels (ROC AUC = 0.8750) (response biomarker). 2d-to-7d neuroscore recovery was best predicted by higher 2d-S100B, lower 2d-HMGB1, and 2d-to-7d increase in HMGB1 or decrease in TNF (P < 0.05) (prognostic biomarkers). SIGNIFICANCE Antiseizure medications and early seizures need to be considered in the interpretation of early post-traumatic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G. Saletti
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Wenzhu B. Mowrey
- Department of Epidemiology & Population HealthAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Wei Liu
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Qianyun Li
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Jesse McCullough
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and GeneticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Roxanne Aniceto
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and GeneticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - I‐Hsuan Lin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and GeneticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Michael Eklund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and GeneticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Pablo M. Casillas‐Espinosa
- Department of NeuroscienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Idrish Ali
- Department of NeuroscienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Lisa Coles
- University of Minnesota Twin CitiesMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sandy R. Shultz
- Department of NeuroscienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nigel Jones
- Department of NeuroscienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of NeuroscienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Solomon L. Moshé
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Dominick P Purpura Department of NeuroscienceAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of PediatricsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Denes V. Agoston
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and GeneticsUniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Aristea S. Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Dominick P Purpura Department of NeuroscienceAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
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Shi M, Liu C, He L, Wu H, Wu Y. Therapeutic drug monitoring and the therapeutic reference range of levetiracetam for Chinese patients: Problems and issues. Seizure 2023; 109:26-33. [PMID: 37192596 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levetiracetam (LEV) is widely used in the clinical monotherapy or multi-drug combination treatment of seizures due to its good tolerability and efficacy. Due to a lack of large-scale clinical studies, the relationship between levetiracetam concentrations, disease activity and adverse is unclear, limiting the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) based LEV plasma levels. This study was intended to investigate factors influencing the pharmacokinetics of and the appropriate reference range of LEV concentration using available LEV TDM data. METHODS A rapid, accurate and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method was established to determine LEV plasma concentrations. In this study, the levetiracetam plasma concentration monitoring data from 352 samples (taken from 248 patients) were used to explore the relationship between levetiracetam dose, age, combined administration with other antiseizure medications in patients with epilepsy. RESULTS Age and combined administration emerged as important affecting factors for the correlation of LEV concentration and dose. The correlation between concentration and dose was better in monotherapy. Combined administration may affect LEV concentration, especially when LEV is combined with oxcarbazepine, which might decrease the LEV concentration. CONCLUSION These findings emphasize the need to monitor LEV routinely LEV, especially among children and older adults when other antiseizure comedications are prescribed in the treatment regimen. LEV TDM is a well-established tool for the management of patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Lien He
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Huizheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Yin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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9
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Obregon J, DeLamielleure L, Rasul TF, Blake B, Henderson A. Wound Healing as an Unconventional Marker for Epilepsy Control in a Patient Experiencing Homelessness: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e31052. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Cucchiara F, Luci G, Giannini N, Giorgi FS, Orlandi P, Banchi M, Di Paolo A, Pasqualetti F, Danesi R, Bocci G. Association of plasma levetiracetam concentration, MGMT methylation and sex with survival of chemoradiotherapy-treated glioblastoma patients. Pharmacol Res 2022; 181:106290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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WHAT IS THE THERAPEUTIC REFERENCE RANGE FOR LEVETIRACETAM? Ther Drug Monit 2022; 44:363-365. [DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Efficacy and safety of adjunctive cenobamate: post-hoc analysis of study C017 in patients grouped by mechanism of action of concomitant antiseizure medications. Seizure 2022; 96:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Bou Nasif M, Varade S, Koubeissi MZ. Multifocal myoclonus as a presentation of levetiracetam toxicity. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2021; 6:281-284. [PMID: 34877439 PMCID: PMC8632708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Levetiracetam (LEV) is a widely used antiseizure medication, but LEV toxicity is not commonly reported. We report a patient with chronic kidney disease who developed multifocal myoclonus after treatment with LEV. The findings suggest the possibility of an inverted U-shaped dose–response of the anti-myoclonic effect of LEV.
Background Levetiracetam (LEV) is widely used for treatment of focal and myoclonic seizures, but reports of LEV toxicity are scarce. Here, we report a rare case of multifocal myoclonus due to LEV toxicity in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency. Case presentation A 52-year-old woman with history of chronic kidney disease was admitted to the ICU for sedation and intubation after a cardiac arrest. She developed nonconvulsive status epilepticus that resolved after administration of propofol while receiving LEV 1500 mg twice a day. After holding the propofol infusion, the patient started having multifocal myoclonic jerks, documented on video-EEG recordings with a supratherapeutic level of LEV. After discontinuation of LEV, the myoclonus resolved. Conclusion This is a unique manifestation of LEV toxicity, which has been scarce in the literature. It suggests an inverted U-shaped dose–response of the antimyoclonic effect of LEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Bou Nasif
- Department of Neurology, George-Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shweta Varade
- Department of Neurology, George-Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Ha C, Lee HS, Joo EY, Shon YM, Hong SB, Seo DW, Lee SY. Levetiracetam Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in a Large Cohort of Korean Epileptic Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080826. [PMID: 34451923 PMCID: PMC8401685 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Levetiracetam is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) used for treating and preventing partial or generalized seizures. The usefulness of levetiracetam therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is related to inter- or intra-individual pharmacokinetic variability, drug interactions, and patient noncompliance. We aimed to investigate the levetiracetam TDM status in Korean epilepsy patients. Serum trough levetiracetam concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in 710 samples from 550 patients. The median (range) daily and weight-adjusted levetiracetam doses were 1500 (20–5000) mg and 25.5 (3.03–133.0) mg/kg, respectively. Patients on levetiracetam monotherapy constituted only 19.5% of the population, while 30.1% were on co-medication with valproate and 56.0% with enzyme-inducing AEDs (EIAEDs). Observed levetiracetam concentrations were widely distributed, ranging 0.8–95 mg/L, with a median of 17.3 mg/L. Levetiracetam concentrations were therapeutic, supra-therapeutic, and sub-therapeutic in 58.5% (n = 393), 11.6% (n = 78), and 29.9% (n = 201) of samples, respectively. There was a strong correlation between weight-adjusted levetiracetam dosage and concentrations (ρ = 0.6896, p < 0.0001). In this large-scale clinical study, a large inter-individual difference in levetiracetam pharmacokinetics was observed, and levetiracetam concentrations were influenced by EIAEDs. For individual dose adjustments and monitoring compliance, routine levetiracetam TDM is needed in epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhee Ha
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.H.); (H.-S.L.)
| | - Hyun-Seung Lee
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.H.); (H.-S.L.)
| | - Eun Yeon Joo
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (E.Y.J.); (Y.-M.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Young-Min Shon
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (E.Y.J.); (Y.-M.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Seung Bong Hong
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (E.Y.J.); (Y.-M.S.); (S.B.H.)
| | - Dae-Won Seo
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (E.Y.J.); (Y.-M.S.); (S.B.H.)
- Correspondence: (D.-W.S.); (S.-Y.L.); Tel.: +82-2-3410-3595 (D.-W.S.); +82-2-3410-1834 (S.-Y.L.); Fax: +82-2-3410-0052 (D.-W.S.); +82-2-3410-2719 (S.-Y.L.)
| | - Soo-Youn Lee
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea; (C.H.); (H.-S.L.)
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.-W.S.); (S.-Y.L.); Tel.: +82-2-3410-3595 (D.-W.S.); +82-2-3410-1834 (S.-Y.L.); Fax: +82-2-3410-0052 (D.-W.S.); +82-2-3410-2719 (S.-Y.L.)
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Aícua‐Rapún I, André P, Rossetti AO, Décosterd LA, Buclin T, Novy J. Seizure freedom and plasma levels of newer generation antiseizure medications. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:202-208. [PMID: 33950522 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Contrary to older antiseizure medications (ASM), correlation between plasma levels and seizure freedom is not well defined for newer generation ASM. We assessed correlations between efficacy and newer generation ASM plasma levels in patients with epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma medication levels were measured over two years in consecutive patients taking lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, zonisamide, lacosamide, perampanel or pregabalin. Seizure freedom was defined as three times the longest inter-seizure pre-treatment interval, or at least one year. Each medication level was stratified according to its position in relation to its proposed reference range (below or in lower half vs upper half or above). RESULTS 168 patients on stable therapy were included. ASM plasma levels of seizure-free patients were lower than those with ongoing seizures; 45/48 (93.7%) were in the lower half or below the reference ranges, compared to 86/106 (81.1%; p = .004). Lamotrigine plasma levels were significantly lower in seizure-free patients (median 2.4 mg/L range 0.4-6.5 mg/L, none above 6.5 mg/L) compared with those with ongoing seizures (5 mg/L, 0.5-14.2 mg/L; p < .0001). Levetiracetam showed similar results (7.2 mg/L, 1.6-15.1 mg/L; none above 15.1 mg/L in seizure-free patients vs 16.4 mg/L, 0.6-47.7 mg/L; p = .005). Demographics, epilepsy type and polytherapy did not influence the results. CONCLUSIONS Efficacy of newer generation ASMs seems to be reached at the lower part or at times even below the reference ranges in drug responsive patients; this could inform regarding titrations of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Aícua‐Rapún
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology Service Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Pascal André
- Clinical Pharmacology Service Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Andrea O. Rossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology Service Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Laurent A. Décosterd
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Thierry Buclin
- Clinical Pharmacology Service Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jan Novy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology Service Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy G Beran
- University of New South Wales, Australia; Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Sechenov University, Russia.
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17
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Muckensturm A, Cheze M, Valet D, Quinton MC, Bodeau S, Lemaire-Hurtel AS, Deveaux M, Hoizey G. Trouble factice imposé à autrui : à propos d’un cas d’intoxication par la lamotrigine, documenté par l’analyse des cheveux. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Önal C, Kul A, Ozdemir M, Sagirli O. Determination of levetiracetam in human plasma by online heart-cutting liquid chromatography: Application to therapeutic drug monitoring. J Sep Sci 2020; 43:3590-3596. [PMID: 32644231 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug for the treatment of psychiatric patients. In this study, a selective, straightforward, and rapid online heart-cutting liquid chromatography method was developed for the therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam. This method allows for the determination of levetiracetam in human plasma without complex sample preparation. The mobile phases consisted of 30 mM aq. orthophosphoric acid solution/methanol (70:30) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min for the first system and 10 mM aq. orthophosphoric acid solution/methanol (55:45) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min for the second system. The first separation was carried out on a GL Sciences Intersil ODS-3 column (4.6 mm × 150 mm, 3 µm) and the second separation was carried out on a Restek Ultra PFPP column (4.6 mm × 150 mm, 5 µm). The detection was carried out at 205 nm for both systems. The method was validated for selectivity and linearity, which were in the 6-60 µg/mL range. Intra- and interassay accuracies were <112.6%, and the intra- and interassay precisions were <6.4% for all quality control samples. The lower limit of quantitation was 6 µg/mL. The developed method was successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring of plasma samples from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Önal
- CinnaGen Pharmaceutical, Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aykut Kul
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Ozdemir
- Health Application and Research Center Medical Biochemistry Laboratory, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Olcay Sagirli
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Newer Antiepileptic Drugs: A Randomized Trial for Dosage Adjustment. Ann Neurol 2019; 87:22-29. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.25641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Zampella B, Patchana T, Wiginton JG, Brazdzionis J, Billings M, Archambeau B, Avila A, Wang J, Wacker M, Miulli DE. Seizure Prophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparative Study of Levetiracetam and Phenytoin Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels in Trauma Patients with Signs of Increased Intracranial Pressure Requiring Ventriculostomy. Cureus 2019; 11:e5784. [PMID: 31723543 PMCID: PMC6825487 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the most common life-threatening injuries to trauma patients arriving in the emergency department (ED) is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditionally, intravenous medications have been given as seizure prophylaxis in patients demonstrating signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), as post-traumatic seizures in trauma patients are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Medications traditionally given for this indication such as phenytoin have been established to reach therapeutic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) quickly and are effective in preventing post-traumatic seizures but often have a large side-effect profile. A newer medication that is being used for seizure prophylaxis in patients with epilepsy is levetiracetam. Levetiracetam typically has a better side effect profile, but it has not been demonstrated that the drug reaches therapeutic levels in the CSF as quickly as phenytoin. Studies have shown levetiracetam and phenytoin to be equivocal in the prevention of post-TBI seizure prophylaxis. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, case-control study at a Level II trauma center of adult patients (age >/= 18 years) who suffered severe TBI (sTBI) requiring the placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) from May 2017 to June 2018. Twelve patients were randomly placed into one of two groups for the administration of antiepileptic medication (either levetiracetam or phenytoin), allowing for the subsequent serial collection of CSF for the analysis of therapeutic levels of antiepileptic medications. Levetiracetam or phenytoin was administered at standardized fixed doses per our neurosurgical center standard protocol. CSF was collected before either drug was administered, 60 minutes after completion of administration and 360 minutes after completion of drug administration. Data analysis was performed to compare the time frame for which therapeutic levels of the medications were achieved in the CSF. The published steady-state and therapeutic CSF level of levetiracetam is 32 mcg/ml and phenytoin is 2 mcg/ml. Results A trend was observed in which the closer the fixed dosage approximated the weight-based dosing of phenytoin, the more their CSF phenytoin level increased (and approximated the therapeutic range) with an associated R-squared value of 0.6274. This trend was not found in patients receiving levetiracetam. Conclusions Levetiracetam does not reach levels needed for seizure prophylaxis in human CSF when loaded at standard dosing regimens in the acute setting. Phenytoin does reach levels needed for seizure prophylaxis in human CSF with standardized regimen dosing when dosages approximate weight-based dosing. If needed, in the acute setting phenytoin should have additional doses given prior to six hours after the loading dose to achieve therapeutic CSF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Zampella
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | - Tye Patchana
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | - James G Wiginton
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | - James Brazdzionis
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | - Marc Billings
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | | | - Alfonso Avila
- Emergency Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Margaret Wacker
- Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, USA
| | - Dan E Miulli
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
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Gonçalves J, Bicker J, Gouveia F, Liberal J, Oliveira RC, Alves G, Falcão A, Fortuna A. Nose-to-brain delivery of levetiracetam after intranasal administration to mice. Int J Pharm 2019; 564:329-339. [PMID: 31015006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite being one of the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam is marketed in oral and intravenous dosage forms, which are associated to drug-drug interactions and drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The purpose of the present study was to assess the potential of the intranasal route to deliver levetiracetam into the brain, due to the particular anatomical features of the nasal cavity. After development and characterization of the drug formulation, a thermoreversible gel loaded with levetiracetam was administered to CD-1 male mice by intranasal route and its pharmacokinetics compared to those observed after intravenous administration. Similar plasma pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained and the intranasal absolute bioavailability was 107.44%, underscoring that a high drug fraction was systemically absorbed. In brain tissue, maximum drug concentrations were 4.48 and 4.02 μg/g (intranasal vs intravenous) and the mean cerebral concentrations were significantly higher after intranasal administration. The percentage of drug targeting efficiency was 182.35% while direct transport percentage was 46.38%, suggesting that almost 50% of levetiracetam undergoes direct nose-to-brain delivery. Complementarily, an in vivo intranasal repeated dose toxicity study was performed and no relevant histopathological alterations were observed. The herein proposed non-invasive and safe intranasal administration route allowed a direct nose-to-brain delivery of levetiracetam and is a promising strategy for the treatment of DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Gouveia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Liberal
- Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias, Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Rui Caetano Oliveira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Sourbron J, Chan H, Wammes-van der Heijden EA, Klarenbeek P, Wijnen B, de Haan GJ, van der Kuy H, Evers S, Majoie M. Review on the relevance of therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam. Seizure 2018; 62:131-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Gulcebi MI, Kendirli T, Turgan ZA, Patsalos PN, Onat Yilmaz F. The effect of serum levetiracetam concentrations on therapeutic response and IL1-beta concentration in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2018; 148:17-22. [PMID: 30326332 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessment of the relevance between serum drug concentration to its therapeutic response is a valid monitoring strategy for the clinical efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad spectrum AED with a possible anti-inflammatory effect. We aimed to determine the relationship between LEV concentrations and its therapeutic response, and the effect of LEV on IL1-beta concentrations in patients with epilepsy. METHODS Patients on monotherapy (n = 7) or polytherapy (n = 15) with LEV for their seizures management were included. Blood samples of each patient were collected: just before LEV intake, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h following the last dose. Serum LEV concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and IL1-beta concentrations by chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Concentration to dose (C/D) ratio values was used for analyses. LEV concentrations were compared between responders (≤1 seizure/month) and non-responders (>1 seizure/month) and patients with or without adverse reactions. IL1-beta concentrations before and at 2 h following LEV ingestion were compared in order to detect the effect of the increase in serum LEV concentration on IL1-beta. RESULTS Although there was no change in LEV (C/D) ratio or LEV maximum concentration (Cmax)/D ratio of the responders and non-responders, the C/D ratio following 1 h of LEV intake (2.17 ± 0.59 kg.day/L) and Cmax/D ratio (2.25 ± 0.56 kg.day/L) in the patients with adverse effects was significantly higher than for the patients without adverse effects (1.09 ± 0.12 kg.day/L and 1.49 ± 0.14 kg.day/L respectively). A statistically significant decrease was found in the IL1-beta concentration to LEV (C/D) ratio with the increase in LEV concentration in patients on LEV monotherapy. CONCLUSION The possible relationship between LEV Cmax and its therapeutic response or IL1-beta concentrations may be an importance indication of LEV antiepileptic efficacy. Consequently, monitoring LEV Cmax values may enhance LEV adherence because patients would be less likely to develop adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medine I Gulcebi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tansel Kendirli
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Asik Turgan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Philip N Patsalos
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom; Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St. Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Filiz Onat Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Development and full validation of an innovative HPLC-diode array detection technique to simultaneously quantify lacosamide, levetiracetam and zonisamide in human plasma. Bioanalysis 2018; 10:541-557. [DOI: 10.4155/bio-2017-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To implement pharmacokinetic drug monitoring and individualize the posology of new antiepileptic drugs, the first HPLC-diode array detection method was developed and validated to simultaneously quantify lacosamide, levetiracetam and zonisamide in human plasma. Materials & methods: Preceded by a reproducible liquid–liquid extraction, chromatographic separation was achieved by using a C18 column of 5 cm length and a mobile phase of water/acetonitrile. Full validation was performed according to international guidelines. Results: The method was linear within 0.5–30, 2.5–40.0 and 0.5–50.0 μg ml-1 for lacosamide, levetiracetam and zonisamide, respectively (r2 ≥ 0.998), accurate (-12.411–8.303%), precise (≤8.875%). Conclusion: This innovative HPLC-diode array detection method was successfully employed in clinical practice and is expected to empower epileptic patients with a personalized pharmacotherapy service. [Formula: see text]
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Engelbrecht L, Grobler CJ, Rheeders M. A simple and cost-effective HPLC-UV method for the detection of levetiracetam in plasma/serum of patients with epilepsy. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 31. [PMID: 28294369 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A simple, fast and cost-effective method was developed and validated for the determination of levetiracetam (LEV) in plasma/serum of patients using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. The stability of LEV plasma/serum samples over time and in different blood collection tubes was evaluated. Serum/plasma samples were deproteinized by methanol spiked with the internal standard, gabapentin. HPLC was carried out on a Venusil XBP C18 , 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm column, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and with mobile phase consisting of 50 mm potassium dihydrogen phosphate-acetonitrile at a pH of 5.5. The UV detector was set at 205 nm and 10 μL was injected. Total runtime was 15 min. Calibration curves were linear (correlation coefficient = 0.999) over a concentration range of 1-60 μg/mL. Relative standard deviation values for both the inter-day and intra-day precision and accuracy were <5% for the concentration range. The influence of different collection tubes and the effect of time on the stability of LEV was investigated. These factors may cause inaccuracies owing to drug-protein binding and interference in the matrix. This method is simple, fast, cost-effective, reliable and accurate with minimal sample preparation for daily routine use in therapeutic drug monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette Engelbrecht
- Clinical Pharmacokinetic Laboratory, School of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - C J Grobler
- Department of Health Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Malie Rheeders
- Clinical Pharmacokinetic Laboratory, School of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Zelano J, Ben-Menachem E. Treating epileptic emergencies - pharmacological advances. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:2227-2234. [PMID: 27686410 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1241236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epileptic emergencies are frequently encountered and include ictal events as status epilepticus or seizure clusters, and non-ictal situations like postictal psychosis or acute drug side effects. The aim of this review was to describe recent pharmacological advances in the treatment of epileptic emergencies. Areas covered: Based on clinically relevant questions, a literature search was performed. The search showed that most pharmacological advances have been made in management of status epilepticus, where substantial literature has accumulated on several AEDs with potentially less side-effects than the traditional choices. The use of these drugs; valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide, was therefore made the main focus of this review. Pharmacological advances in treatment of other epileptic emergencies were scarce, and were therefore covered more briefly in the Expert Opinion section. Expert opinion: This section outlines our current practice in management of status epilepticus and seizures clusters. Our opinion is that valproate is an equal alternative as second line treatment to fosphenytoin, with levetiracetam considered a good choice in frail and elderly patients. Due to the lack of literature, lacosamide is used mainly as a 2nd line drug after the failure of valproate, fosphenytoin and levetiracetam. Our review underlines the need for more research in management of epileptic emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Zelano
- a Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska Academy , University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Elinor Ben-Menachem
- a Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska Academy , University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
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Beran RG, Stepanova D, Beran ME. Justification for conducting neurological clinical trials as part of patient care within private practice. Int J Clin Pract 2016; 70:365-71. [PMID: 27040457 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to assess the benefits and drawbacks of conducting neurological clinical trials and research in private practice for the patients, clinician, Practice Manager, sponsors/Clinical Research Organisations (CROs) and Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC) to determine if this is justified for all involved. A combination of literature reviews, original research articles and books were selected from 2005 to 2015. Provided that the practice has sufficient number of active trials to prevent financial loss, support staff, adequate facilities and equipment and time, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Clinical trials provide patients with more thorough monitoring, re-imbursement of trial-related expenses and the opportunity to try an innovative treatment at no charge when other options have failed. For the clinician, clinical trials provide more information to ensure better care for their patients and improved treatment methods, technical experience and global recognition. Trials collect detailed and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of drugs, improving society's confidence in clinical research and pharmaceuticals, allow trial sponsors to explore new scientific questions and accelerate innovation. For the CTC, industry-sponsored clinical trials allow potential entry for a career in clinical research giving CTCs the opportunity to become Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), Study Start-Up Managers or Drug Safety Associates.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Beran
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Griffith University, Gold Coast and Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Strategic Health Evaluators, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D Stepanova
- Strategic Health Evaluators, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M E Beran
- Strategic Health Evaluators, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Chung S, Ceja H, Gawłowicz J, McShea C, Schiemann J, Lu S. Levetiracetam extended release for the treatment of patients with partial-onset seizures: A long-term, open-label follow-up study. Epilepsy Res 2016; 120:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Stepanova D, Beran RG. The benefits of antiepileptic drug (AED) blood level monitoring to complement clinical management of people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 42:7-9. [PMID: 25499154 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.09.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some argue that there is no evidence to support the use of antiepileptic drug (AED) blood level monitoring when treating people with epilepsy (PWE). This paper identifies how AED monitoring can be invaluable in such treatment. SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: (i) Compliance: Antiepileptic drug blood levels often confirm noncompliance rather than adequate seizure control, confirming subtherapeutic levels in PWE attending hospitals due to seizures. Routine monitoring of AED levels may prevent breakthrough seizures by identifying noncompliance and instituting heightened compliance measures before experiencing breakthrough seizures without modifying dosages. For PWE attending hospitals due to seizures, loading with the AED shown to be subtherapeutic may be all that is required. (ii) Cluster seizures and status epilepticus: When using long-acting AEDs to complement benzodiazepines, blood level monitoring confirms that an adequate dosage was given and, if not, a further bolus can be administered with further monitoring. This is particularly useful when using rectal administration of AEDs. (iii) Polypharmacy: Polypharmacy provokes drug interactions in which case AED monitoring helps in differentiating adequate dosing, offending AED with toxicity and free level measuring benefits when total levels are unhelpful. (iv) Generic substitution: Generic AEDs can fluctuate considerably from a parent compound, and even a parent compound, sourced from an alternative supplier, may have altered bioavailability for which blood level monitoring is very useful. CONCLUSIONS While therapeutic blood level monitoring is not a substitute for good clinical judgment, it offers a valuable adjunct to patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Stepanova
- Strategic Health Evaluators, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roy G Beran
- Strategic Health Evaluators, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Griffith University, Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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