Efficacy of Levetiracetam versus Phenytoin in Neonatal Seizure in Rural Area of Thailand

Abstract

Background: Neonatal seizure is an emergency condition that affects neurodevelopment and mortality. The appropriate treatment and seizure termination is crucial. Previous studies determined the efficacy of different types of antiseizure medications (ASMs), but there is no consensus toward second-line ASMs in neonatal seizure. Objective: To compare the efficacy of second-line ASMs in neonatal seizure, compared between levetiracetam and phenytoin. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study. The author recruited patients with diagnosis of neonatal seizure admitted at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Thailand, between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. Patients who had clinical seizure refractory and were given first-line ASM (intravenous phenobarbital) and received second-line ASMs as intravenous levetiracetam or intravenous phenytoin were included. Etiologies of seizure, seizure types, and other demographic data were recorded. The efficacy of levetiracetam and phenytoin were determined by comparing the duration of seizure, the need for third-line ASMs, and morbidity as developmental outcome, diagnosis of cerebral palsy, and mortality rate. Results: Twenty-five patients (68% male) were recruited. Sixty-four percent were diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The most common seizure type was subtle seizure at 56%. Levetiracetam was given to 56% and phenytoin was given to 44% as second-line ASMs. The duration of seizure was significantly different at 28.12 minutes in levetiracetam and 42.72 minutes in phenytoin (p=0.01). The drug adherence was higher in the levetiracetam group. Regarding third-line ASMs, 28.7% of the levetiracetam group and 45.45% of phenytoin group needed third-line ASMs, but this was not statistically significant. Mortality was 20% and 48% were diagnosed as cerebral palsy. There was no significant difference in mortality and morbidity between the two groups. Conclusion: Levetiracetam had no superior efficacy than phenytoin in neonatal seizure. Keywords: Neonatal seizure; Levetiracetam; Phenytoin; Efficacy