title: The use of levetiracetam in refractory status epilepticus.
abstract: Six patients with status epilepticus (SE) of various etiologies refractory to at least two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) had complete cessation of their seizures following administration of oral levetiracetam (LEV). Seizure types included convulsive, focal, and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Effective doses of levetiracetam ranged from 500 to 3000 mg/day, achieving seizure control within 12-96 h. No significant adverse events were noted. Adjunctive levetiracetam should be considered for patients with status epilepticus unresponsive to initial therapy.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Neurology, M756, MSB, DC058.00, One Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65212, USA. PatelN@health.missouri.edu
authors.forename: Nitin C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Ivan R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Landan
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szaflarski
authors.forename: Andrew N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Wilner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010889:Piracetam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam