Abstract
Anticonvulsant drugs are frequently given after craniotomy. Phenytoin (PHI) is the most commonly used agent; levetiracetam (LEV) is a new anticonvulsant drug with fewer side effects. To compare the incidence of seizures in patients receiving either prophylactic PHI or LEV perioperatively, 971 patients undergoing a craniotomy were analysed retrospectively during a 2-year period. PHI was used ...
Abstract
Anticonvulsant drugs are frequently given after craniotomy. Phenytoin (PHI) is the most commonly used agent; levetiracetam (LEV) is a new anticonvulsant drug with fewer side effects. To compare the incidence of seizures in patients receiving either prophylactic PHI or LEV perioperatively, 971 patients undergoing a craniotomy were analysed retrospectively during a 2-year period. PHI was used routinely and LEV was administered when PHI was contraindicated. Seizures documented during the first 7 days after craniotomy were considered. A total of 235 patients were treated with an antiepileptic drug: 81 patients received LEV, and 154 patients, PHI. Two patients receiving LEV (2.5%) and seven receiving PHT (4.5%) had a seizure despite this treatment. No patient had a documented side effect or drug interaction. The data show that LEV may be an alternative option in patients with contraindications to PHI. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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