title: Use of Levetiracetam in Neonates in Clinical Practice: A Retrospective Study at a German University Hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed a retrospective chart analysis in neonates routinely treated with levetiracetam (LEV) in a university setting. Patients and Methods We assessed clinical characteristics of the included neonates. Documented LEV doses and the duration of treatment were evaluated. To assess LEV effectiveness, we compared the need of any additional anticonvulsant as co- and rescue therapies before and following the initiation of LEV treatment. To assess LEV tolerance, we sought to identify documented adverse drug reactions resulting in a termination of LEV treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We analyzed a total of 72 neonates receiving LEV with a median gestational age at initiation of LEV treatment of 30 (4/7) gestational weeks (min., 24(5/7)/max., 43(0/7) weeks). LEV was applied in target doses of 41.7 mg/kg/d (min., 14.4/max., 106.2 mg/kg/d). Patients received LEV treatment at hospital for a median of 28 days (min., 1/max., 195 days). Additional anticonvulsant therapy decreased a week after LEV treatment was initiated (p = 0.008). We did not find any cases of terminated LEV treatment resulting from adverse drug reactions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long term use of high LEV doses is rather frequent in immature neonates. Our data indicate good effectiveness and a low risk of adverse drug reactions.
authors: Drug Safety Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Martina P
authors: MP
authors: Neininger
authors: Drug Safety Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Michaela
authors: M
authors: Ullmann
authors: Drug Safety Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Anna J
authors: AJ
authors: Dahse
authors: Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Steffen
authors: S
authors: Syrbe
authors: Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Matthias K
authors: MK
authors: Bernhard
authors: Drug Safety Center, Pharmacy of the University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Frontini
authors: Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Wieland
authors: W
authors: Kiess
authors: Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Merkenschlager
authors: Division of Neonatology, Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Ulrich
authors: U
authors: Thome
authors: Drug Safety Center, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Thilo
authors: T
authors: Bertsche
authors: Centre for Paediatric Research, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Astrid
authors: A
authors: Bertsche
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D005865:Gestational Age; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D010889:Piracetam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam