Comparison of Levetiracetam and phenytoin for seizure control in children presenting with status epilepticus - A randomized, prospective single center study

Abstract

Background:Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common time-bound pediatric neurological emergency worldwide. The present study compared levetiracetam and phenytoin in children with status epilepticus.Materials & Methods:80 children diagnosed with status epilepticus of both genders were randomly divided into 2 groups of 40 each. Group 1 were given levetiracitam at a dose of 40 mg/kg diluted in 50 mL of normal saline. Group II (control group) were given IV phenytoin as 20 mg/kg diluted in normal saline over 20 minutes.Results: Type of seizure was generalized in 28 in group I and 24 in group II, focal seizure in 10 in group I and 12 in group II and complex partial seizure in 2 in group I and 4 in group II. The episode one was seen in 27 in group I and 13 in group II, two in 4 in group I and 17 in group II and more than three in 9 in group I and 10 in group II. Initial seizure control within 5 minutes was observed in 22 in group I and 10 in group II, 5-20 minutes in 12 and 10, 20-40 minutes in 6 and 4 in group I and II respectively. Seizure control within 24 hours was seen in 36 in group I and 24 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Levetiracetam was more effective than phenytoin for seizure control in children.