Lacosamide Boluses Decreased Seizure Burden and Were Well Tolerated in Neonates With Acute Seizures: A Single-Center Retrospective Case Series.

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are associated with worsened neurodevelopmental outcomes. Phenobarbital, the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for neonatal seizures, can cause neuronal apoptosis and may worsen neurodevelopmental outcomes. Lacosamide may be an efficacious treatment for neonatal seizures. Methods: We assessed the impact of lacosamide boluses on seizure burden in a retrospective cohort of 15 neonates monitored with video electroencephalography (EEG). Medication bolus times and seizure start/end times on EEG tracings determined change in seizure burden. Results: Seven patients received lacosamide as first- or second-line treatment and 8 as third-line or later. Average 4-hour seizure burden decreased from 13% to 3% following lacosamide boluses (P = .002). Reduction in seizure burden greater than 30% followed 79% of boluses. Lacosamide was well tolerated; one patient experienced mild asymptomatic episodic bradycardia that medication taper resolved. Conclusions: Lacosamide significantly decreased seizure burden in this cohort. Prospective studies of lacosamide treatment for neonatal seizures are warranted.