Title: Comparative Trial of Phenobarbitone vs Phenytoin in Moderate and Severe Perinatal Asphyxia in Term Neonates
Authors: Sanjana Sharma, Rekha Harish, Ashu Jamwal
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i9.181
Abstract
A prospective, hospital-based open-label randomised trial was conducted with primary aim to compare the clinical seizure control after administration of either drug, Phenobarbitone or Phenytoin in term neonates with moderate or severe perinatal asphyxia. Secondary aim was to compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 months of age. Study participants included 120 term neonates (n=120) with perinatal asphyxia with clinically apparent seizures. Seizures were controlled in 8 out of 60 (13.33%) neonates who received phenytoin as compared to 43 out of 60 neonates (71.67 %) neonates who received phenobarbitone (p < 0.001). Phenobarbitone is more efficacious than Phenytoin in achieving clinical seizure control when used as first line anticonvulsant in term neonates with moderate or severe perinatal asphyxia. The early neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 months of age was similar when either of the drugs was used.
Keywords: Neonatal seizures, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, perinatal asphyxia
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