Background: Appropriate treatment of neonatal seizures is important in reducing long-term neurologic disabilities. In our NICU, the first-line anti-seizure medication for the treatment of neonatal seizures is phenobarbitone (PB).The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) as 1stline treatment in neonatal seizures.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar from July 2017 to December 2017. 20 neonates with clinical convulsions were enrolled in the study and received IV LEV at standard doses.

Results: 65 % of neonates responded to IVLEV treatment, at the end of 1stweek. Other neonates required additional anticonvulsant therapy like phenobarbitone, phenytoin. No major side-effects of LEV were noted.

Conclusions: LEV is effective as 1stline treatment in neonatal seizures.

Keywords: Efficiency and safety, levetiracetam, neonatal seizures, prospective study.

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Dr Anup Kumar

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