Korean J Pediatr.
2017 Feb;60(2):50-54. 10.3345/kjp.2017.60.2.50.
Experience and pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Korean neonates with neonatal seizures
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. smlee@yuhs.ac
- 2Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- KMID: 2371378
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2017.60.2.50
Abstract
- PURPOSE
The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) in neonates with seizures and to establish a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model by using the software NONMEM.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 18 neonatal patients with seizures, who were treated with LEV, including 151 serum samples, was performed. The mean loading dose was 20 mg/kg, followed by a mean maintenance dose of 29 mg/kg/day.
RESULTS
Seventeen neonates (94%) had seizure cessation within 1 week and 16 (84%) remained seizure-free at 30 days under the LEV therapy. The mean serum concentration of LEV was 8.7 µg/mL. Eight samples (5%) were found above the therapeutic range. No serious adverse effects were detected. In the PPK analysis for Korean neonates, the half-life was 9.6 hours; clearance, 0.357 L/hr; and volume of distribution, 4.947 L, showing differences from those in adults.
CONCLUSION
LEV is a safe and effective option for the treatment of neonatal seizures with careful therapeutic drug monitoring.
