Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam for pediatric convulsive status epilepticus in emergency settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Medical
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Status epilepticus
Summary
Systematic review and meta-analysis of fourteen studies (2,473 children) comparing levetiracetam with phenytoin, fosphenytoin and valproate for paediatric convulsive status epilepticus in emergency settings. Seizure termination and 24-hour recurrence rates did not differ between agents, but levetiracetam was associated with faster time to seizure cessation and shorter ICU stay compared with phenytoin. Adverse event profile favoured levetiracetam. Relevant to PICU and emergency teams managing second-line anti-seizure medication choice, though authors note further studies are needed.
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- Open (Creative Commons)
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