title: Levetiracetam.
abstract: The incidence of neonatal seizures varies according to gestational age, weight, and cause. Seizures occur in an estimated 1.0-3.5 per 1,000 term infants1 with an increased incidence of 10-130/1,000 in preterm infants.2 Most neonatal seizures have a specific cause.3 Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has been identified as the most common etiology associated with neonatal seizures, accounting for 50-60 percent of the cases.4 Table 1 outlines common causes of neonatal seizures. Early recognition of seizures and appropriate treatment is vital in preventing multiorgan dysfunction and permanent brain damage.
authors.affiliation: All Children’s/Johns Hopkins Medicine. nnpdoctor@gmail.com
authors.forename: Michele J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Beaulieu
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010889:Piracetam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010634:Phenobarbital; D010889:Piracetam