Practical Approaches to the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures

AbstractPurpose of reviewThis paper critically reviews the current literature and evidence on diagnosis, classification, clinical approach, and management of neonatal seizures. A stepwise approach for the treatment of neonatal seizures is presented.Recent findingsIn a recent randomized controlled trial comparing phenobarbital to levetiracetam as a first-choice anti-seizure medication with primary outcome seizure free for 24  h, the former was found superior (80% vs 28%,p <  0.001).SummaryNeonatal seizures require immediate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Phenobarbital is the first-line anti-seizure drug for neonatal seizures, but there is little evidence regarding second-line pharmacotherapy. There is a need for more randomized controlled trials for the use of other existing anti-seizure drugs, yet unlicensed in neonates, and the development of new drugs specifically for neonates.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Neurology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research