title: Levetiracetam for busulfan-induced seizure prophylaxis in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
abstract: Anti-seizure prophylaxis is routinely utilized during busulfan administration for HSCT. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of levetiracetam in children undergoing HSCT. A total of 28 children and young adults received levetiracetam during HSCT and the outcomes and costs were compared to a historical, but similar cohort of 25 patients who had received fosphenytoin. Levetiracetam was well tolerated and was efficacious in preventing seizures. Cost of drug, administration, and monitoring were also similar among the two groups. Due to non-induction of the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, levetiracetam may lead to better dose assurance of busulfan in targeted dose regimens for HSCT.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. sandeep.soni@nationwidechildrens.org
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soni
authors.forename: Micah
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skeens
authors.forename: Amanda M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Termuhlen
authors.forename: Rajinder P S
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Bajwa
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Vinita
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002066:Busulfan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007223:Infant; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019172:Transplantation Conditioning; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010672:Phenytoin; C043114:fosphenytoin; D002066:Busulfan; D010889:Piracetam