Levetiracetam versus fosphenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in Japanese pediatric patients with seizures

Abstract

  Objective: Seizure prophylaxis is indicated for various conditions. Although fosphenytoin (FOS) administered intravenously is used for seizure prophylaxis in children, it is associated with significant side effects. On the contrary, levetiracetam (LEV) administered intravenously may be also effective as a prophylaxis agent for seizures, and fewer adverse effects have been reported with its use. In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety of LEV and FOS for seizure prophylaxis in Japanese pediatric patients with seizures. Methods: This retrospective review included 35 patients with seizures aged 4-15 years, who were injected with LEV or FOS for seizure prophylaxis after seizures. Twelve and 23 patients who received LEV and FOS, respectively, were selected. Demographic data and outcome assessments were compared. Results: Subjects had a median age of 9.8 years and included 20 male and 15 female patients. Baseline characteristics of the treatment groups were similar. No significant difference was found in the probability of seizure recurrence (within 12 h of seizures following intravenous administration) between LEV and FOS groups. There were no side effects that required treatment in both groups. Conclusions: The efficacy and incidence of adverse events of intravenous LEV after seizures were equivalent to those of intravenous FOS. LEV is a reasonable alternative to FOS for prophylaxis of seizure recurrence.