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Published Online First: 26 September 2007. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2007.130260
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:588-589
Copyright © 2008 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
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SHORT REPORTS

Intravenous levetiracetam in the treatment of benzodiazepine refractory status epilepticus

S Knake, J Gruener, K Hattemer, K M Klein, S Bauer, W H Oertel, H M Hamer, F Rosenow

Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany

Correspondence to:
PD Dr S Knake, Epilepsy Centre Marburg, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str 8, 35033 Marburg, Germany; knake{at}staff.uni-marburg.de

In 2006, levetiracetam was approved as the first of the newer anticonvulsive drugs as an intravenous formulation (ivLEV) for patients with epileptic seizures who are unable to take oral medication. We report our experience with the use of ivLEV for the treatment of 18 episodes of benzodiazepine refractory focal status epilepticus (SE) in 16 patients, including four patients with secondary generalised SE. SE was controlled in all patients by the given combination of drugs; application of further antiepileptic medications after ivLEV was necessary in two episodes. No severe side effects occurred. Our data suggest that ivLEV may be an alternative for the treatment of SE in the future, even in patients that did not respond to benzodiazepines. A large prospective, randomised, controlled study is warranted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ivLEV for the treatment of SE.


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 J. Neurol. Neurosurg. PsychiatryHome page
M. J Jackson
Should we accept the status quo? Time for new trials in status epilepticus
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, May 1, 2008; 79(5): 490 - 490.
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Intravenous levetiracetam for benzodiazepine refractory status epilepticus
Nitin K Sethi, et al.
JNNP Online, 22 Apr 2008 [Full text]
Intravenous levetiracetam for benzodiazepine refractory status epilepticus
Susanne Knake, et al.
JNNP Online, 30 Apr 2008 [Full text]

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