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Cappellari AM, Palumbo S, Margiotta S. Questions and Controversies in Neonatal Seizures. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 11:40. [PMID: 38255354 PMCID: PMC10814600 DOI: 10.3390/children11010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal seizures are relatively common, but their diagnosis and management remain challenging. We reviewed the scientific literature on neonatal seizures from July 1973 to November 2023. Several parameters were considered, including pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, electroencephalographic findings and treatment. Recent classification system of seizures and epilepsies in the newborn, as well as treatment recommendations of neonatal seizures, have been proposed. Nonetheless, the approach to neonatal seizures varies among clinicians and centres, including detection, investigation, treatment and follow-up of patients. There are still many issues on the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal seizures, including the meaning or relevance of some electroencephalographic findings, the precise estimation of the seizure burden, the limited efficacy and side effects risk of antiseizure medications, and the best measures to establish the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M. Cappellari
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Sarah Palumbo
- Postgraduate School of Paediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy; (S.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefania Margiotta
- Postgraduate School of Paediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy; (S.P.); (S.M.)
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Abiramalatha T, Thanigainathan S, Ramaswamy VV, Pressler R, Brigo F, Hartmann H. Anti-seizure medications for neonates with seizures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD014967. [PMID: 37873971 PMCID: PMC10594593 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014967.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn infants are more prone to seizures than older children and adults. The neuronal injury caused by seizures in neonates often results in long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. There are several options for anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in neonates. However, the ideal choice of first-, second- and third-line ASM is still unclear. Further, many other aspects of seizure management such as whether ASMs should be initiated for only-electrographic seizures and how long to continue the ASM once seizure control is achieved are elusive. OBJECTIVES 1. To assess whether any ASM is more or less effective than an alternative ASM (both ASMs used as first-, second- or third-line treatment) in achieving seizure control and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with seizures. We analysed EEG-confirmed seizures and clinically-diagnosed seizures separately. 2. To assess maintenance therapy with ASM versus no maintenance therapy after achieving seizure control. We analysed EEG-confirmed seizures and clinically-diagnosed seizures separately. 3. To assess treatment of both clinical and electrographic seizures versus treatment of clinical seizures alone in neonates. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Epistemonikos and three databases in May 2022 and June 2023. These searches were not limited other than by study design to trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that included neonates with EEG-confirmed or clinically diagnosed seizures and compared (1) any ASM versus an alternative ASM, (2) maintenance therapy with ASM versus no maintenance therapy, and (3) treatment of clinical or EEG seizures versus treatment of clinical seizures alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors assessed trial eligibility, risk of bias and independently extracted data. We analysed treatment effects in individual trials and reported risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data, and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with respective 95% confidence interval (CI). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 18 trials (1342 infants) in this review. Phenobarbital versus levetiracetam as first-line ASM in EEG-confirmed neonatal seizures (one trial) Phenobarbital is probably more effective than levetiracetam in achieving seizure control after first loading dose (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.30; 106 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and after maximal loading dose (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.78 to 4.50; 106 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, we are uncertain about the effect of phenobarbital when compared to levetiracetam on mortality before discharge (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.52; 106 participants; very low-certainty evidence), requirement of mechanical ventilation (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.91; 106 participants; very low-certainty evidence), sedation/drowsiness (RR 1.74, 95% CI 0.68 to 4.44; 106 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and epilepsy post-discharge (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.76; 106 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The trial did not report on mortality or neurodevelopmental disability at 18 to 24 months. Phenobarbital versus phenytoin as first-line ASM in EEG-confirmed neonatal seizures (one trial) We are uncertain about the effect of phenobarbital versus phenytoin on achieving seizure control after maximal loading dose of ASM (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.72; 59 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The trial did not report on mortality or neurodevelopmental disability at 18 to 24 months. Maintenance therapy with ASM versus no maintenance therapy in clinically diagnosed neonatal seizures (two trials) We are uncertain about the effect of short-term maintenance therapy with ASM versus no maintenance therapy during the hospital stay (but discontinued before discharge) on the risk of repeat seizures before hospital discharge (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.01; 373 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Maintenance therapy with ASM compared to no maintenance therapy may have little or no effect on mortality before discharge (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.22; 373 participants; low-certainty evidence), mortality at 18 to 24 months (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.61; 111 participants; low-certainty evidence), neurodevelopmental disability at 18 to 24 months (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.13 to 6.12; 108 participants; low-certainty evidence) and epilepsy post-discharge (RR 3.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 14.72; 126 participants; low-certainty evidence). Treatment of both clinical and electrographic seizures versus treatment of clinical seizures alone in neonates (two trials) Treatment of both clinical and electrographic seizures when compared to treating clinical seizures alone may have little or no effect on seizure burden during hospitalisation (MD -1871.16, 95% CI -4525.05 to 782.73; 68 participants; low-certainty evidence), mortality before discharge (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.27; 68 participants; low-certainty evidence) and epilepsy post-discharge (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.12 to 4.73; 35 participants; low-certainty evidence). The trials did not report on mortality or neurodevelopmental disability at 18 to 24 months. We report data from the most important comparisons here; readers are directed to Results and Summary of Findings tables for all comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Phenobarbital as a first-line ASM is probably more effective than levetiracetam in achieving seizure control after the first loading dose and after the maximal loading dose of ASM (moderate-certainty evidence). Phenobarbital + bumetanide may have little or no difference in achieving seizure control when compared to phenobarbital alone (low-certainty evidence). Limited data and very low-certainty evidence preclude us from drawing any reasonable conclusion on the effect of using one ASM versus another on other short- and long-term outcomes. In neonates who achieve seizure control after the first loading dose of phenobarbital, maintenance therapy compared to no maintenance ASM may have little or no effect on all-cause mortality before discharge, mortality by 18 to 24 months, neurodevelopmental disability by 18 to 24 months and epilepsy post-discharge (low-certainty evidence). In neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, treatment of both clinical and electrographic seizures when compared to treating clinical seizures alone may have little or no effect on seizure burden during hospitalisation, all-cause mortality before discharge and epilepsy post-discharge (low-certainty evidence). All findings of this review apply only to term and late preterm neonates. We need well-designed RCTs for each of the three objectives of this review to improve the precision of the results. These RCTs should use EEG to diagnose seizures and should be adequately powered to assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We need separate RCTs evaluating the choice of ASM in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangaraj Abiramalatha
- Neonatology, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research (KMCHIHSR), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- KMCH Research Foundation, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | - Ronit Pressler
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neonatology, Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Clinical Neuroscience, UCL- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Merano-Meran, Italy
- Innovation Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Pressler RM, Abend NS, Auvin S, Boylan G, Brigo F, Cilio MR, De Vries LS, Elia M, Espeche A, Hahn CD, Inder T, Jette N, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Mader S, Mizrahi EM, Moshé SL, Nagarajan L, Noyman I, Nunes ML, Samia P, Shany E, Shellhaas RA, Subota A, Triki CC, Tsuchida T, Vinayan KP, Wilmshurst JM, Yozawitz EG, Hartmann H. Treatment of seizures in the neonate: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations-Special report from the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2550-2570. [PMID: 37655702 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Seizures are common in neonates, but there is substantial management variability. The Neonatal Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed evidence-based recommendations about antiseizure medication (ASM) management in neonates in accordance with ILAE standards. Six priority questions were formulated, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed, and results were reported following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 standards. Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool and risk of Bias in non-randomised studies - of interventions (ROBINS-I), and quality of evidence was evaluated using grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE). If insufficient evidence was available, then expert opinion was sought using Delphi consensus methodology. The strength of recommendations was defined according to the ILAE Clinical Practice Guidelines development tool. There were six main recommendations. First, phenobarbital should be the first-line ASM (evidence-based recommendation) regardless of etiology (expert agreement), unless channelopathy is likely the cause for seizures (e.g., due to family history), in which case phenytoin or carbamazepine should be used. Second, among neonates with seizures not responding to first-line ASM, phenytoin, levetiracetam, midazolam, or lidocaine may be used as a second-line ASM (expert agreement). In neonates with cardiac disorders, levetiracetam may be the preferred second-line ASM (expert agreement). Third, following cessation of acute provoked seizures without evidence for neonatal-onset epilepsy, ASMs should be discontinued before discharge home, regardless of magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalographic findings (expert agreement). Fourth, therapeutic hypothermia may reduce seizure burden in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (evidence-based recommendation). Fifth, treating neonatal seizures (including electrographic-only seizures) to achieve a lower seizure burden may be associated with improved outcome (expert agreement). Sixth, a trial of pyridoxine may be attempted in neonates presenting with clinical features of vitamin B6-dependent epilepsy and seizures unresponsive to second-line ASM (expert agreement). Additional considerations include a standardized pathway for the management of neonatal seizures in each neonatal unit and informing parents/guardians about the diagnosis of seizures and initial treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit M Pressler
- Clinical Neuroscience, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicholas S Abend
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stéphan Auvin
- Department Medico-Universitaire Innovation Robert-Debré, Robert Debré Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Pediatric Neurology, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Geraldine Boylan
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy
- Innovation Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical Private University, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Maria Roberta Cilio
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Saint-Luc University Hospital, and Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Linda S De Vries
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Alberto Espeche
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Materno Infantil, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cecil D Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrie Inder
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital of Orange County, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Silke Mader
- Scientific Affairs, European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Munich, Germany
| | - Eli M Mizrahi
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lakshmi Nagarajan
- Children's Neuroscience Service, Department of Neurology, Perth Children's Hospital and University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Iris Noyman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Division, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Magda L Nunes
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul-PUCRS School of Medicine and the Brain Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pauline Samia
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eilon Shany
- Department of Neonatology, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ann Subota
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chahnez Charfi Triki
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax Medical School, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tammy Tsuchida
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elissa G Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Levetiracetam versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 138:62-70. [PMID: 36401982 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although phenobarbital (PB) is commonly used as a first-line antiseizure medication (ASM) for neonatal seizures, in 2015 we chose to replace it with levetiracetam (LEV), a third-generation ASM. Here, we compared the safety and efficacy of LEV and PB as first-line ASM, considering the years before and after modifying our treatment protocol. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 108 neonates with electroencephalography (EEG)-confirmed seizures treated with first-line LEV or PB in 2012 to 2020. RESULTS First-line ASM was LEV in 33 (31%) and PB in 75 (69%) neonates. The etiology included acute symptomatic seizures in 69% of cases (30% hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, 32% structural vascular, 6% infectious, otherwise metabolic) and neonatal epilepsy in 22% (5% structural due to brain malformation, 17% genetic). Forty-two of 108 (39%) neonates reached seizure freedom following first-line therapy. Treatment response did not vary by first-line ASM among all neonates, those with acute symptomatic seizures, or those with neonatal-onset epilepsy. Treatment response was lowest for neonates with a higher seizure frequency, particularly for those with status epilepticus versus rare seizures (P < 0.001), irrespective of gestational age, etiology, or EEG findings. Adverse events were noted in 22 neonates treated with PB and in only one treated with LEV (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a potential noninferiority and a more acceptable safety profile for LEV, which may thus be a reasonable option as first-line ASM for neonatal seizures in place of PB. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible since higher seizure frequencies predispose to less favorable responses.
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Bäcke P, Bruschettini M, Blomqvist YT, Sibrecht G, Olsson E. Interventions for the Management of Pain and Sedation in Newborns Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review. Paediatr Drugs 2023; 25:27-41. [PMID: 36481984 PMCID: PMC9810674 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-022-00546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) are exposed to multiple painful and stressful procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to assess benefits and harms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of pain and sedation in newborn infants undergoing TH for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. METHODS We included randomized and observational studies reporting any intervention (either drugs or non-pharmacological interventions) to manage pain and sedation in newborn infants (> 33 weeks' gestational age) undergoing TH. We included any dose, duration and route of administration. We also included any type and duration of non-pharmacological interventions. Our prespecified primary outcomes were analgesia and sedation assessed using validated pain scales in the neonatal population; circulatory instability; mortality to discharge; and neurodevelopmental disability. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, with no language restrictions. Included studies underwent risk-of-bias assessment (Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and ROBINS-I) and data extraction performed by two authors independently. The plan had been to use effect measures such as mean difference for continuous outcomes and risk ratio for dichotomous outcomes, however the included studies are presented in a narrative synthesis due to their paucity and heterogeneity. RESULTS Ten studies involving 3551 infants were included-one trial and nine observational studies. Most studies examined the use of phenobarbital or other antiepileptic drugs with primary outcomes related to seizure activity. The single trial that was included compared pentoxifylline with placebo. Among the primary outcomes, six studies reported circulatory instability and five reported mortality to discharge without relevant differences; two studies reported on neurodevelopmental disability and one study reported on pain scale. Three studies were ongoing. CONCLUSIONS We found limited evidence to establish the benefits and harms of the interventions for the management of pain and sedation in newborn infants undergoing TH. Long-term outcomes were not reported. Given the very low certainty of evidence-due to imprecision of the estimates, inconsistency and limitations in study design (all nine observational studies with overall serious risk of bias)-for all outcomes, clinical trials are required to determine the most effective interventions in this population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020205755.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyrola Bäcke
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Department of Pediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Cochrane Sweden; Research and Education, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ylva Thernström Blomqvist
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Greta Sibrecht
- Newborns' Infectious Diseases Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Emma Olsson
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, S-701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
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Guidotti I, Lugli L, Ori L, Roversi MF, Casa Muttini ED, Bedetti L, Pugliese M, Cavalleri F, Stefanelli F, Ferrari F, Berardi A. Neonatal seizures treatment based on conventional multichannel EEG monitoring: an overview of therapeutic options. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:623-638. [PMID: 35876114 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2105698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Seizures are the main neurological emergency during the neonatal period and are mostly acute and focal. The prognosis mainly depends on the underlying etiology. Conventional multichannel video-electroencephalographic (cEEG) monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosis, but treatment remains a challenge. AREAS COVERED : This review, based on PubMed search over the last 4 decades, focuses on the current treatment options for neonatal seizures based on cEEG monitoring. There is still no consensus on seizure therapy, owing to poor scientific evidence. Traditionally, the first-line treatments are phenobarbital and phenytoin, followed by midazolam and lidocaine, but their efficacy is limited. Therefore, current evidence strongly suggests the use of alternative antiseizure medications. Randomized controlled trials of new drugs are ongoing. EXPERT OPINION : Therapy for neonatal seizures should be prompt and tailored, based on semeiology, mirror of the underlying cause, and cEEG features. Further research should focus on antiseizure medications that directly act on the etiopathogenetic mechanism responsible for seizures and are therefore more effective in seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isotta Guidotti
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Licia Lugli
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Ori
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Roversi
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Della Casa Muttini
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Bedetti
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Marisa Pugliese
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Cavalleri
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Neuroscience, Nuovo Ospedale Civile S. Agostino-Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Stefanelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, Post Graduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ferrari
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Berardi
- Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Modena, Italy
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Susnerwala S, Joshi A, Deshmukh L, Londhe A. Levetiracetam or Phenobarbitone as a First-Line Anticonvulsant in Asphyxiated Term Newborns? An Open-Label, Single-Center, Randomized, Controlled, Pragmatic Trial. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:647-653. [PMID: 35673948 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2021-006415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Neonatal seizures are one of the most challenging problems for experts across the globe. Although there is no consensus on the "ideal" treatment of neonatal seizures, phenobarbitone has been the drug of choice for decades. Unfortunately, although extensively studied in adults and children, levetiracetam lacks rigorous evaluation in the neonatal population, despite its frequent use as an off-label drug. The objective of this open-label, randomized, active-control, single-center, pragmatic trial was to compare the effectiveness of levetiracetam with phenobarbitone for term asphyxiated infants as a first-line drug. METHODS The participants included in this study were inborn term asphyxiated infants with seizures in the first 48 hours of life. Infants satisfying the inclusion criteria were randomized to receive levetiracetam (20 mg/kg) or phenobarbitone (20 mg/kg). Clinical seizure control was noted. Infants who failed to respond to the primary drug were given the other group drug. RESULTS Of 103 eligible infants, 82 were randomly assigned (44 levetiracetam group, 38 phenobarbitone group). Clinical seizure control with the primary drug and maintenance of the same for 24 hours was observed in 29 infants (65.9%) in the levetiracetam group and 13 infants (34.2%) in the phenobarbitone group (P < .05, relative risk 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.84). Of the infants in the phenobarbitone group who did not respond to the primary drug, 57.8% were controlled after adding levetiracetam. CONCLUSION Levetiracetam can be used with effectiveness as a first- and second-line drug in asphyxiated term infants. A more extensive study on pharmacokinetics and optimal regimen is required.
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Verwoerd C, Limjoco J, Rajamanickam V, Knox A. Efficacy of Levetiracetam and Phenobarbital as First-Line Treatment for Neonatal Seizures. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:401-409. [PMID: 35311411 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221086107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High neonatal seizure burden is associated with worsened neurodevelopmental outcomes. We compared the efficacy of initial treatment with levetiracetam vs phenobarbital for maintaining low seizure burden in a retrospective cohort of 25 neonates monitored with video electroencephalography (EEG). Video EEG tracing were reviewed and paired with medication bolus times to determine seizure burden after treatment. Initial cumulative dose of phenobarbital was 20 mg/kg in all but 1 case; initial cumulative dose of levetiracetam ranged from 50 to 100 mg/kg. Eleven of 17 (65%) patients sustained seizure burden <10% following initial treatment with levetiracetam, compared with 5 of 8 (63%) with phenobarbital. Thirteen (76%) patients treated with levetiracetam had sustained seizure burden <20% compared with 6 (75%) treated with phenobarbital. The phenobarbital group showed a larger absolute reduction in average seizure burden in the hour before and after treatment (-24.3 vs -14.2 minutes/h). Six of 17 (35%) patients treated with levetiracetam remained seizure free after initial treatment, compared with 2 of 8 (25%) patients treated with phenobarbital. Initial treatment with levetiracetam was associated with shorter average time to seizure freedom (15 vs 21 hours). None of these results were statistically significant. Cumulative doses of levetiracetam 100 mg/kg were well tolerated and associated with substantial decrease in seizure burden in several cases. Levetiracetam remains a promising first-line treatment for neonatal seizures; additional randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of high-dose levetiracetam on seizure burden and long-term outcomes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Verwoerd
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jamie Limjoco
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Victoria Rajamanickam
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatices, 5228University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Knox
- Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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9
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Keene JC, Wainwright M, Morgan LA, Mietzsch U, Musa N, Bozarth XL, Natarajan N. Retrospective Evaluation of First-line Levetiracetam use for Neonatal Seizures after Congenital Heart Defect repair with or without Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2022; 27:254-262. [PMID: 35350164 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-27.3.254] [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: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Levetiracetam (LEV) efficacy for neonatal seizures is debated. We evaluated LEV as a first line anti-seizure medicine (ASM) in neonates following neonatal congenital heart defect (CHD) repair who did not require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) vs neonates who required ECMO. METHODS A single center retrospective review of neonates with CHD from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Neonates were included if seizures were present on continuous EEG after CHD repair either on or off ECMO, and they received LEV as a first line ASM. Primary outcomes were seizure resolution with LEV, adverse events and response to subsequent ASM. RESULTS Eighteen total neonates were evaluated, 10 with seizures post-CHD repair who did not require ECMO and 8 who required ECMO. In the non-ECMO cohort, nine of ten were successfully treated with LEV monotherapy with no adverse events. In comparison, the eight neonates who required ECMO had a higher initial seizure burden (1.6% vs 17%, p=0.003), were more likely to have injury on neuroimaging (12.5 vs 75%, p= 0.04), and all neonates required multiple ASMs. Seizure burden did not decrease with LEV, but significantly decreased with phenobarbital and fosphenytoin (14.4% and 10.5%, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Neonates with CHD and seizures on and off ECMO demonstrated divergent seizure characteristics including seizure burden and response to LEV. LEV may reduce neonatal seizure burden after uncomplicated CHD repair. However, in neonates requiring ECMO, multiple ASMs were required. A prospective evaluation of ASM efficacy and safety in this high-risk population is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Keene
- University of Washington, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology (JK, MW, LM, XB, NN), Seattle, WA
| | - Mark Wainwright
- University of Washington, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology (JK, MW, LM, XB, NN), Seattle, WA
| | - Lindsey A Morgan
- University of Washington, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology (JK, MW, LM, XB, NN), Seattle, WA
| | | | - Ndidi Musa
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (NM), Seattle, WA
| | - Xiuhua L Bozarth
- University of Washington, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology (JK, MW, LM, XB, NN), Seattle, WA
| | - Niranjana Natarajan
- University of Washington, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology (JK, MW, LM, XB, NN), Seattle, WA
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10
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Abiramalatha T, Thanigainathan S, Ramaswamy VV, Pressler R, Brigo F, Hartmann H. Antiseizure medications for neonates with seizures. Hippokratia 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thangaraj Abiramalatha
- Neonatology; Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH); KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research; Coimbatore India
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences. Section of Clinical Neurology; University of Verona; Verona Italy
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11
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Association between anti-seizure medication and outcomes in infants. J Perinatol 2022; 42:359-364. [PMID: 34671100 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare treatment failure between: (1) infants treated with phenobarbital versus levetiracetam for first-line treatment and (2) infants treated with phenytoin versus levetiracetam for second-line treatment following phenobarbital. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included infants with seizures receiving phenobarbital or levetiracetam as the initial anti-seizure medication. Treatment failure was defined as the need for additional anti-seizure medication within 24-72 h and compared using mixed-effect logistic regression after adjustment for confounding factors, including center. RESULTS In this cohort of 6842 infants, the incidence of treatment failure was 31% vs. 38% in infants receiving first-line phenobarbital versus levetiracetam (adjusted OR: 0.70; 95% CI 0.58-0.84). There was no significant difference in second-line treatment failure (adjusted OR: 1.31; 95% CI 0.92-1.86). CONCLUSIONS First-line treatment of neonatal seizures with phenobarbital is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure than levetiracetam. There was no significant difference in second-line treatment failure.
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12
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Keene JC, Morgan LA, Abend NS, Bates SV, Bauer Huang SL, Chang T, Chu CJ, Glass HC, Massey SL, Ostrander B, Pardo AC, Press CA, Soul JS, Shellhaas RA, Thomas C, Natarajan N. Treatment of Neonatal Seizures: Comparison of Treatment Pathways From 11 Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 128:67-74. [PMID: 34750046 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizures are a common neonatal neurologic emergency. Many centers have developed pathways to optimize management. We evaluated neonatal seizure management pathways at level IV neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States to highlight areas of consensus and describe aspects of variability. METHODS We conducted a descriptive analysis of 11 neonatal seizure management pathways from level IV NICUs that specialize in neonatal neurocritical care including guidelines for electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, antiseizure medication (ASM) choice, timing, and dose. RESULTS Study center NICUs had a median of 70 beds (interquartile range: 52-96). All sites had 24/7 conventional EEG initiation, monitoring, and review capability. Management pathways uniformly included prompt EEG confirmation of seizures. Most pathways included a provision for intravenous benzodiazepine administration if either EEG or loading of ASM was delayed. Phenobarbital 20 mg/kg IV was the first-line ASM in all pathways. Pathways included either fosphenytoin or levetiracetam as the second-line ASM with variable dosing. Third-line ASMs were most commonly fosphenytoin or levetiracetam, with alternatives including topiramate or lacosamide. All pathways provided escalation to continuous midazolam infusion with variable dosing for seizures refractory to initial medication trials. Three pathways also included lidocaine infusion. Nine pathways discussed ASM discontinuation after resolution of acute symptomatic seizures with variable timing. CONCLUSIONS Despite a paucity of data from controlled trials regarding optimal neonatal seizure management, there are areas of broad agreement among institutional pathways. Areas of substantial heterogeneity that require further research include optimal second-line ASM, dosage, and timing of ASM discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Keene
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Lindsey A Morgan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicholas S Abend
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sara V Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah L Bauer Huang
- Division of Pediatric & Developmental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Taeun Chang
- Neurology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Catherine J Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Shavonne L Massey
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Betsy Ostrander
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Andrea C Pardo
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Craig A Press
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Janet S Soul
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cameron Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Niranjana Natarajan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
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13
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Qiao MY, Cui HT, Zhao LZ, Miao JK, Chen QX. Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam vs. Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:747745. [PMID: 34867732 PMCID: PMC8636327 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.747745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neonatal seizures are a common neurological emergency in newborns. Phenobarbital (PB) is the first-line antiepileptic drug (AED). However, PB has some side effects, such as hypotension and respiratory depression, and it can accelerate neuronal apoptosis in the immature brain. Levetiracetam (LEV), a new antiepileptic drug, has been used as a second-line drug for the treatment of neonatal seizures. Compared with PB, LEV has many advantages, including a low incidence of side effects and better neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, there are only a few systematic reviews of LEV for the treatment of neonatal seizures. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LEV for neonatal seizures and to compare the efficacy, side effects, and neurological outcomes between LEV and PB in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Methods: The keywords LEV, PB, and neonatal seizure were searched in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) databases with a last update in July 2021 to collect high-quality studies. We collected studies studying the efficacy or safety of LEV and PB in the treatment of neonatal seizures applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were extracted and outcome measures, including efficacy, side effect rate, neurological score, and mortality rate, were analyzed with RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Ten articles were finally included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that there was no difference in efficacy between LEV and PB in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Compared with PB, the incidence of side effects of LEV was lower. The incidence of hypotension and respiratory depression in the LEV group was significantly lower than that in the PB group. In terms of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, there was no significant difference in the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) scores between LEV and PB. Conclusion: PB is still the first-line AED recommended by the WHO for the treatment of neonatal seizures. The new AEDs LEV may not have better efficacy than PB. At the same time, LEV is associated with better neurodevelopment outcomes and a lower risk of adverse effects. In addition, continuous EEG monitoring should be used to diagnose neonatal seizures to evaluate the severity of the seizures, remission, and drug efficacy. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021279029.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Qiao
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Tao Cui
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China.,Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Zhao
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Kun Miao
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Xiong Chen
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
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14
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Xu ZE, Li WB, Qiao MY, Cui HT, Zhao LZ, Chen QX, Miao JK. Comparative efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs for neonatal seizures: A network meta-analysis. Pediatr Neonatol 2021; 62:598-605. [PMID: 34389261 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-epileptic drugs have different effects on neonatal seizures, and new agents have been widely used in recent years. Meanwhile, significant differences still exist in the treatment for neonatal seizures, whether in choice of drug or in duration of treatment. And with the increase in options for treatment, the best choice of second-line treatment has not been recommended. METHODS The MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched (January 1, 1960 to October 20, 2020). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational investigations studying anti-epileptic drugs for neonatal seizures were selected. And then we conducted a network meta-analysis and examined comparative efficacy of the first-line and second-line anti-epileptic drugs for neonatal seizures. RESULTS Data were extracted from 11 included studies by 2 independent investigators. Random effects models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). We performed direct meta-analyses with a random effects model and network meta-analyses for first-line and second-line drugs. Five published RCTs and 6 observational investigations with 1333 patients and 6 interventions contributed to the analysis. CONCLUSION We recommend phenobarbital as the first-line drug for neonatal seizures. In addition, there is a tendency for levetiracetam to be an effective second-line treatment for neonatal seizures after failure of first-line drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-E Xu
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Bin Li
- Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Qiao
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Tao Cui
- Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Zhao
- Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Xiong Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Kun Miao
- Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 64 Jintang Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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15
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Hooper RG, Ramaswamy VV, Wahid RM, Satodia P, Bhulani A. Levetiracetam as the first-line treatment for neonatal seizures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:1283-1293. [PMID: 34124790 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the effectiveness and safety of levetiracetam when used as first-line treatment of neonatal seizures. METHOD Four electronic databases, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception until 20th November 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that included neonates born preterm and term were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was levetiracetam effectiveness, defined as seizure cessation within 24 hours of starting treatment. Secondary outcomes included short-term adverse events, mortality before discharge, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS Fourteen studies assessing 1188 neonates were included: four RCTs, three observational trials with phenobarbital as the control arm, and seven observational studies of levetiracetam with no control arm. Pooled efficacy of levetiracetam from observational studies was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34-57%) (GRADE - very low). Meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating levetiracetam versus phenobarbital showed that both were equally effective (risk ratio [95% CI] 0.6 [0.30-1.20]) (GRADE - very low). Levetiracetam resulted in a lower risk of short-term adverse events compared to phenobarbital (risk ratio [95% CI] 0.24 [0.06-0.92]) (GRADE - moderate). INTERPRETATION Very low certainty of evidence suggests levetiracetam might not be more effective than phenobarbital. Moderate certainty of evidence indicates levetiracetam is associated with a lower risk of adverse events. Future trials on neonatal antiseizure medication therapy should include continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring as standard of care and enrol a homogenous population with similar seizure aetiology. What this paper adds Levetiracetam is effective in 45% of neonatal seizures. Levetiracetam might not be more effective than phenobarbital. Levetiracetam is likely to be safer than phenobarbital. Evidence available is limited and of very low certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Hooper
- University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Rachael M Wahid
- University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Prakash Satodia
- University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Adarsh Bhulani
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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16
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Krishnan V, Kumar V, Variane GFT, Carlo WA, Bhutta ZA, Sizonenko S, Hansen A, Shankaran S, Thayyil S. Need for more evidence in the prevention and management of perinatal asphyxia and neonatal encephalopathy in low and middle-income countries: A call for action. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 26:101271. [PMID: 34330679 PMCID: PMC8650826 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2021.101271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shoulder 90 % of the neonatal encephalopathy (NE) burden, there is very little evidence base for prevention or management of this condition in these settings. A variety of antenatal factors including socio-economic deprivation, undernutrition and sub optimal antenatal and intrapartum care increase the risk of NE, although little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Implementing interventions based on the evidence from high-income countries to LMICs, may cause more harm than benefit as shown by the increased mortality and lack of neuroprotection with cooling therapy in the hypothermia for moderate or severe NE in low and middle-income countries (HELIX) trial. Pooled data from pilot trials suggest that erythropoietin monotherapy reduces death and disability in LMICs, but this needs further evaluation in clinical trials. Careful attention to supportive care, including avoiding hyperoxia, hypocarbia, hypoglycemia, and hyperthermia, are likely to improve outcomes until specific neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapies available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaisakh Krishnan
- Centre of Perinatal Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Centre of Perinatal Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Waldemar A Carlo
- Division of Neonatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, USA.
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Center of Excellence in Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | - Anne Hansen
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | | | - Sudhin Thayyil
- Centre of Perinatal Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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17
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Falsaperla R, Scalia B, Giugno A, Pavone P, Motta M, Caccamo M, Ruggieri M. Treating the symptom or treating the disease in neonatal seizures: a systematic review of the literature. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:85. [PMID: 33827647 PMCID: PMC8028713 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The existing treatment options for neonatal seizures have expanded over the last few decades, but no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal therapeutic protocols. We systematically reviewed the available literature examining neonatal seizure treatments to clarify which drugs are the most effective for the treatment of specific neurologic disorders in newborns. Method We reviewed all available, published, literature, identified using PubMed (published between August 1949 and November 2020), that focused on the pharmacological treatment of electroencephalogram (EEG)-confirmed neonatal seizures. Results Our search identified 427 articles, of which 67 were included in this review. Current knowledge allowed us to highlight the good clinical and electrographic responses of genetic early-onset epilepsies to sodium channel blockers and the overall good response to levetiracetam, whose administration has also been demonstrated to be safe in both full-term and preterm newborns. Interpretation Our work contributes by confirming the limited availability of evidence that can be used to guide the use of anticonvulsants to treat newborns in clinical practice and examining the efficacy and potentially harmful side effects of currently available drugs when used to treat the developing newborn brain; therefore, our work might also serve as a clinical reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Falsaperla
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, A.O.U. San Marco-Policlinico, University of Catania, Via Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121, Catania, Italy
| | - Bruna Scalia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, A.O.U. San Marco-Policlinico, University of Catania, Via Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121, Catania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Giugno
- Post graduate programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Unit of Clinical Pediatrics, A.O.U. "Policlinico", P.O. "G. Rodolico", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Milena Motta
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, A.O.U. San Marco-Policlinico, University of Catania, Via Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Caccamo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, A.O.U. San Marco-Policlinico, University of Catania, Via Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121, Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, A.O.U. San Marco- Policlinico, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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18
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Abstract
Seizures are the most common neurological emergency in the neonates, and this age group has the highest incidence of seizures compared with any other period of life. The author provides a narrative review of recent advances in the genetics of neonatal epilepsies, new neonatal seizure classification system, diagnostics, and treatment of neonatal seizures based on a comprehensive literature review (MEDLINE using PubMED and OvidSP vendors with appropriate keywords to incorporate recent evidence), personal practice, and experience. Knowledge regarding various systemic and postzygotic genetic mutations responsible for neonatal epilepsy has been exploded in recent times, as well as better delineation of clinical phenotypes associated with rare neonatal epilepsies. An International League Against Epilepsy task force on neonatal seizure has proposed a new neonatal seizure classification system and also evaluated the specificity of semiological features related to particular etiology. Although continuous video electroencephalogram (EEG) is the gold standard for monitoring neonatal seizures, amplitude-integrated EEGs have gained significant popularity in resource-limited settings. There is tremendous progress in the automated seizure detection algorithm, including the availability of a fully convolutional neural network using artificial machine learning (deep learning). There is a substantial need for ongoing research and clinical trials to understand optimal medication selection (first line, second line, and third line) for neonatal seizures, treatment duration of antiepileptic drugs after cessation of seizures, and strategies to improve neuromorbidities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental impairments. Although in recent times, levetiracetam use has been significantly increased for neonatal seizures, a multicenter, randomized, blinded, controlled phase IIb trial confirmed the superiority of phenobarbital over levetiracetam in the acute suppression of neonatal seizures. While there is no single best choice available for the management of neonatal seizures, institutional guidelines should be formed based on a consensus of local experts to mitigate wide variability in the treatment and to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
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19
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Levetiracetam monotherapy in children with epilepsy: Experience from a tertiary pediatric neurology center. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107745. [PMID: 33508749 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Levetiracetam (LEV) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug with high efficacy and tolerability in children and adults with epilepsy. We aimed to retrospectively assess the long-term efficacy, tolerability, and safety of LEV monotherapy in children with epilepsy. METHODS All patients who received LEV monotherapy at the Ankara University Children Hospital between January 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated. This retrospective pediatric cohort study determined the efficacy and safety of LEV monotherapy in 281 outpatients with epilepsy. RESULTS There were 281 patients, 50.5% female, aged 5 months to 18 years with a mean age of 9 years. Of these, 48% of patients had idiopathic epilepsy, 40.6% had symptomatic epilepsy, and 11,4% had cryptogenic/genetic epilepsy. Primary generalized seizures occurred in 61.6% of patients, focal seizures in 19.6%, both generalized and focal seizures in 15,3%, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures in 2.5%, and undefined type of seizure in 1.1%. A total of 22.8% patients had an accompanying extra neurological disease, mostly cardiological and hematological. The range of final daily dose was 10-71 mg/kg/day, with mean 29.5 mg/kg/day. Duration of therapy ranged from 7 days to 96 months, with median 12 months (IQR: 6-22). For the all cohort, a 6th month retention rate was 81%, a 12th month retention rate was 71.4%, and a 24th month retention rate was 61.8%. Eighty five percent of the patients had a seizure reduction of at least 50% and 55.9% of patients remained seizure-free for median 12 months treatment duration with LEV monotherapy. Improvement of electroencephalography (EEG) findings was found in 42% of patients on control EEGs. A total of 67 adverse events were documented in 45 (16%) patients. The most common adverse events were behavioral problems such as aggression (n:18) and irritability (n:17). The discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 2.5%, and due to inefficacy was 5.3%. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that the high retention rates, high percentage of seizure reduction, the low discontinuation rate due to adverse events and inefficacy, and the relatively benign and transient profile of adverse events make LEV preferable as monotherapy in the pediatric population.
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20
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Giva S, Boyle MA, Gorman KM. Should levetiracetam rather than phenobarbitone be the first-line treatment for neonatal seizures? Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:301-303. [PMID: 33097487 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheiniz Giva
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Kathleen M Gorman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland .,School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Wagner CB, Kreimer AM, Carrillo NP, Autry E, Schadler A, Cook AM, Leung NR. Levetiracetam Compared to Phenobarbital as a First Line Therapy for Neonatal Seizures: An Unexpected Influence of Benzodiazepines on Seizure Response. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2021; 26:144-150. [PMID: 33603577 PMCID: PMC7887881 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-26.2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neonatal seizures are common complications. Phenobarbital is the agent of choice but leads to adverse neurologic outcomes. There has been increased use of newer agents like levetiracetam. The objective of this study was determining the rate of seizure resolution in neonates treated with phenobarbital or levetiracetam. METHODS This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study from June 1, 2012-June 1, 2018 evaluating seizure resolution in neonates following first-line treatment with phenobarbital versus levetiracetam. Data were collected via review of the patient's charts in the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was seizure resolution without addition of a second antiepileptic agent. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of pertinent variables. RESULTS Each group included 73 patients. The mean gestational age was 36.01 and 37.91 weeks for the phenobarbital and levetiracetam groups, respectively (p = 0.011). The phenobarbital group had higher rates of intraventricular hemorrhage at baseline. The median birth weight was 2750 and 3002 grams in the phenobarbital and levetiracetam groups, respectively (p = 0.10). Forty-five neonates (61.6%) achieved seizure resolution with phenobarbital compared with 30 neonates (41.1%) with levetiracetam (p = 0.01). In neonates who did not receive a benzodiazepine, seizure resolution was similar between groups (51-52%). In neonates who received a benzodiazepine, seizure resolution rate was 94.1% (16/17 neonates) for phenobarbital and 18.2% (4/22 neonates) for levetiracetam. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest seizure resolution with levetiracetam, and phenobarbital may be impacted by benzodiazepine administration. If no benzodiazepine is used, these agents demonstrated similar efficacy. Further research into the pharmacodynamic interaction with benzodiazepines is necessary.
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Pisani F, Spagnoli C, Falsaperla R, Nagarajan L, Ramantani G. Seizures in the neonate: A review of etiologies and outcomes. Seizure 2021; 85:48-56. [PMID: 33418166 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal seizures occur in their majority in close temporal relation to an acute brain injury or systemic insult, and are accordingly defined as acute symptomatic or provoked seizures. However less frequently, unprovoked seizures may also present in the neonatal period as secondary to structural brain abnormalities, thus corresponding to structural epilepsies, or to genetic conditions, thus corresponding to genetic epilepsies. Unprovoked neonatal seizures should be thus considered as the clinical manifestation of early onset structural or genetic epilepsies that often have the characteristics of early onset epileptic encephalopathies. In this review, we address the conundrum of neonatal seizures including acute symptomatic, remote symptomatic, provoked, and unprovoked seizures, evolving to post-neonatal epilepsies, and neonatal onset epilepsies. The different clinical scenarios involving neonatal seizures, each with their distinct post-neonatal evolution are presented. The structural and functional impact of neonatal seizures on brain development and the concept of secondary epileptogenesis, with or without a following latent period after the acute seizures, are addressed. Finally, we underline the need for an early differential diagnosis between an acute symptomatic seizure and an unprovoked seizure, since it is associated with fundamental differences in clinical evolution. These are crucial aspects for neonatal management, counselling and prognostication. In view of the above aspects, we provide an outlook on future strategies and potential lines of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pisani
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University-Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Lakshmi Nagarajan
- Children's Neuroscience Service, Department of Neurology, Perth Children's Hospital, Australia
| | - Georgia Ramantani
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Sharma D, Hussain AM, Sharma SS. Efficacy of Levetiracetam in neonatal seizures: a systematic review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:3923-3930. [PMID: 33172319 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1844651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal seizures represent the most frequent presenting sign of any neurological abnormality secondary to various etiologies in the neonatal period. Phenobarbitone (PB) has been used as first-line anti-epileptic drug in the treatment of seizures but concerns have been raised regarding its neuro-apoptotic effects over the developing brain. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a newer anti-epileptic drug with neuroprotective property and has been used in adults and pediatric patient but its use in neonates have very limited experience. Recently many neonatal studies have sought the role of LEV in the management of neonatal seizures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Levetiracetam in the management of neonatal seizures. SEARCH METHODS The literature search was done for this systematic review by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other various electronic databases including PubMed and various sites for ongoing trials and abstracts of conferences. RESULTS Two eligible studies were analyzed that fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. Fifteen studies were excluded due to the non-fulfillment of inclusion criteria. The primary outcome of both studies was to see the efficiency of LEV in controlling neonatal seizures when compared to PB. Better seizure control after a single loading dose of LEV was seen. Rates of seizure cessation at 24 h was also better in the LEV arm. Neonatal seizures secondary to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and receiving therapeutic hypothermia were better controlled with LEV. The side effect of LEV was significantly less when compared to PB. CONCLUSION Levetiracetam has shown to have promising anti-epileptic properties for the management of neonatal seizure with better efficacy and less or no side effects. There is a need to conduct more randomized controlled trials seeking the role of LEV in the acute management of neonatal seizures and also for assessing its neuroprotective role and neurodevelopmental outcome in these neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sharma
- Department of Neonatology, National Institute of Medical and Sciences Medical College, Jaipur, India
| | - Ansar Murtuza Hussain
- Department of Pediatrics, Vijay Marie Hospital and Education society, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sweta Shastri Sharma
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical and Sciences Medical College, Jaipur, India
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24
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Romantseva L, Lin N. Acute Seizures-Work-Up and Management in Children. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:606-616. [PMID: 33155186 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are common in the pediatric population; however, most children do not go on to develop epilepsy later in life. Selecting appropriate diagnostic modalities to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as well as with counseling families regarding the etiology and prognosis of seizures, is essential. This article will review updated definitions of seizures, including provoked versus unprovoked, as well as the International League Against Epilepsy operational definition of epilepsy. A variety of specific acute symptomatic seizures requiring special consideration are discussed, along with neonatal seizures and seizure mimics, which are common in pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubov Romantseva
- Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nan Lin
- Section of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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25
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Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Levetiracetam as First-line Therapy for Seizures in Neonates. Indian Pediatr 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-020-1965-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Arican P, Olgac Dundar N, Mete Atasever N, Akkaya Inal M, Gencpinar P, Cavusoglu D, Akbay S, Tekgul H. Comparison of the neurocognitive outcomes in term infants treated with levetiracetam and phenobarbital monotherapy for neonatal clinical seizures. Seizure 2020; 80:71-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Janicot R, Stafstrom CE, Shao LR. 2-Deoxyglucose terminates pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in neonatal rats. Epilepsia 2020; 61:1528-1537. [PMID: 32558935 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neonatal status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening medical emergency. Unfortunately, up to 50% of neonates with SE are resistant to current antiseizure drugs, highlighting the need for better treatments. This study aims to explore a novel metabolic approach as a potential alternative treatment to control neonatal SE, using the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). METHODS SE was induced by pilocarpine (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) in neonatal Sprague Dawley rats (postnatal day 10 [P10]-P17) and was monitored by video-electroencephalography (V-EEG). After 30 minutes of SE, 2-DG or one of two conventional antiseizure drugs with different mechanisms of action, phenobarbital or levetiracetam, was administrated ip, and V-EEG recording was continued for ~60 additional minutes. The time to seizure cessation after drug injection, EEG scores, and power spectra before and after drug or saline treatment were used to assess drug effects. RESULTS Once SE became sustained, administration of 2-DG (50, 100, or 500 mg/kg, ip) consistently stopped behavioral and electrographic seizures within 10-15 minutes; lower doses took longer (25-30 minutes) to stop SE, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. Administration of phenobarbital (30 mg/kg, ip) or levetiracetam (100 mg/kg, ip) also stopped SE within 10-15 minutes in neonatal rats. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG acts quickly to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability and effectively suppress ongoing seizure activity, which may provide translational value in the treatment of neonatal SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Janicot
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Li-Rong Shao
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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28
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Sharpe C, Reiner GE, Davis SL, Nespeca M, Gold JJ, Rasmussen M, Kuperman R, Harbert MJ, Michelson D, Joe P, Wang S, Rismanchi N, Le NM, Mower A, Kim J, Battin MR, Lane B, Honold J, Knodel E, Arnell K, Bridge R, Lee L, Ernstrom K, Raman R, Haas RH. Levetiracetam Versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3182. [PMID: 32385134 PMCID: PMC7263056 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for neonatal seizures. Phenobarbital and phenytoin frequently fail to control seizures. There are concerns about the safety of seizure medications in the developing brain. Levetiracetam has proven efficacy and an excellent safety profile in older patients; therefore, there is great interest in its use in neonates. However, randomized studies have not been performed. Our objectives were to study the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam compared with phenobarbital as a first-line treatment of neonatal seizures. METHODS The study was a multicenter, randomized, blinded, controlled, phase IIb trial investigating the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam compared with phenobarbital as a first-line treatment for neonatal seizures of any cause. The primary outcome measure was complete seizure freedom for 24 hours, assessed by independent review of the EEGs by 2 neurophysiologists. RESULTS Eighty percent of patients (24 of 30) randomly assigned to phenobarbital remained seizure free for 24 hours, compared with 28% of patients (15 of 53) randomly assigned to levetiracetam (P < .001; relative risk 0.35 [95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.56]; modified intention-to-treat population). A 7.5% improvement in efficacy was achieved with a dose escalation of levetiracetam from 40 to 60 mg/kg. More adverse effects were seen in subjects randomly assigned to phenobarbital (not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS In this phase IIb study, phenobarbital was more effective than levetiracetam for the treatment of neonatal seizures. Higher rates of adverse effects were seen with phenobarbital treatment. Higher-dose studies of levetiracetam are warranted, and definitive studies with long-term outcome measures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sharpe
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand;,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Gail E. Reiner
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Suzanne L. Davis
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Nespeca
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jeffrey J. Gold
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Rachel Kuperman
- Pediatric Neurology, University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California
| | - Mary Jo Harbert
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - David Michelson
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda, California
| | - Priscilla Joe
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Sonya Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Neggy Rismanchi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Ngoc Minh Le
- Neonatal Research Institute, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - Andrew Mower
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Jae Kim
- Division of NeoNatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Malcolm R. Battin
- Department of Neonatology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Brian Lane
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jose Honold
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Ellen Knodel
- Division of Neonatology, Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Kathy Arnell
- Neonatal Research Institute, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, San Diego, California
| | - Renee Bridge
- Division of NeoNatology, Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Lilly Lee
- Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Karin Ernstrom
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rema Raman
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Richard H. Haas
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
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29
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Pressler RM, Lagae L. Why we urgently need improved seizure and epilepsy therapies for children and neonates. Neuropharmacology 2019; 170:107854. [PMID: 31751548 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to epilepsy in adolescents and adults, neonatal seizures and early onset epilepsy poses unique challenges with significant repercussion for treatment choices. Most importantly, high seizure burden and epileptic encephalopathy are associated with developmental, behavioural and cognitive problems. The causes are multifactorial and include etiology, seizure burden, epileptic encephalopathy, but also antiseizure medication. In contrast to adults and older children only very few drugs have been licenced for infants and neonates, and after a long delay. Very recently, extrapolation of adult data has become possible as a path to speed up drug development for younger children but this is not necessarily possible for infants and neonates. With the advances in understanding the molecular basis of many epilepsies, targeted therapies become available, for example for KCNQ2 mutation related epilepsies, Dravet syndrome or tuberous sclerosis complex. Drug trials in neonates are particularly challenging because of their inconspicuous clinical presentation, the need for continuous EEG monitoring, high co-morbidity, and poor response to antiepileptic drugs. There is an urgent need for development of new drugs, evaluation of safety and efficacy of current antiseizure drugs, as well as for national policies and guidelines for the management of seizures and epilepsy in neonates and infants. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit M Pressler
- Neuroscience Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Liu BK, Jiang L, Li XJ, Hong SQ, Chen W, Hu Y. Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in the off-label treatment of neonatal seizures. Int J Neurosci 2019; 130:336-342. [PMID: 31665950 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1687469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Ke Liu
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Li
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Qi Hong
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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