Phenobarbitone Versus Levetiracetam: A Qualified Approach to Initial Neonatal Seizure Management

Background: Seizures in newborns are frequent throughout the first month of life and might affect their neurodevelopment. Despite its limited effectiveness and association with cognitive impairment in human subjects, phenobarbitone (PB) is presently the preferred anti-epileptic medication (AED). The use of intravenous levetiracetam to treat seizures in neonates is growing. We have designed a randomized control study using levetiracetam in the initial treatment of acute newborn seizures since there is currently inadequate information on the safety and effectiveness of intravenous levetiracetam in neonates. The objective of the research was to determine if levetiracetam is more applicable than phenobarbitone at reducing convulsions in acute newborn seizures. The procedure of the research was conducted as a randomized control trial. After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 neonates, ages 0 to 28 days of any sex who were admitted to the special care baby unit (SCABU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and had a clinical presentation of neonatal seizures were randomly assigned to levetiracetam (Intervention Phenobarbitone; Control Group = 50). Seizures, the amount of time it took to be seizure-free, and the length of hospital stay were the outcome factors. Regular monitoring was conducted for 48 hours and continued until discharge or death. The outcome of the research was conducted as a randomized control trial. After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 neonates, ages 0 to 28 days of any sex who were admitted to the special care baby unit (SCABU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and had a clinical presentation of neonatal seizures were randomly assigned to levetiracetam (Intervention Phenobarbitone; Control Group = 50). Seizures, the amount of time it took to be seizure-free, and the length of hospital stay were the outcome factors. Regular monitoring was conducted for 48 hours and continued until discharge or death. In conclusion, the study found that when used as a first-line antiepileptic medication to treat acute newborn seizures, levetiracetam dramatically reduces convulsions when compared to phenobarbitone. It was discovered that none of the therapy techniques had any negative effects.