Effect of levetiracetam in acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures during acute and chronic phase.
Brain Dev 2015;
37:471-7. [PMID:
25174548 DOI:
10.1016/j.braindev.2014.08.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM
To clarify the effect of levetiracetam (LEV) for acute and chronic seizure control in acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures (AERRPS).
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of six AERRPS cases treated with LEV, and explored the acute phase termination by withdrawal from barbiturate-induced coma under artificial ventilation, and the reduction in seizure frequency during the chronic phase. LEV was administrated orally or via nasogastric tubes as an add-on agent during acute (n=3; age 8-10 years) and chronic (n=3; age 19-30 years) AERRPS.
RESULTS
In the acute phase, administration of LEV (50-60 mg/kg/d) in combination with phenobarbital (n=3; peak 57.9-76.1 μg/ml) and potassium bromide (n=2; 30-36 mg/kg/d)) resulted in successful reduction of intravenous barbiturate dosage and withdrawal from artificial ventilation. In the chronic phase, seizure frequency reduced by >75% for 5-18 months with LEV 750-1500 mg/d.
CONCLUSION
LEV may affect seizure control in AERRPS, particularly during the chronic phase, through its unique action of inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitter release. The regimen of oral barbiturate, potassium bromide and LEV would be worth for trial during the acute phase of AERRPS.
Collapse