Russell, Natasha Keerthika, and Hariharan, Gopakumar (2022) EBNEO Commentary: Safety of early discontinuation of anti-seizure medication in neonates. Acta Paediatrica, 111 (2). pp. 449-450.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

[Extract] There is a lack of consensus regarding the continuation of anti-seizure medication (ASM) in neonates who had seizures during their intensive care stay.1, 2 Current evidence is insufficient to determine the association of neonatal seizures and its impact on long-term neurodevelopment.3 Controversy exists in terms of the appropriate anticonvulsant for continuation at the time of discharge from the hospital.4

The observational comparative effectiveness study by Glass et al. demonstrates the safety of the discontinuation of ASM in neonates prior to discharge from the intensive care unit. There was no difference noted in neurodevelopment scores in neonates whose ASM was discontinued at discharge compared with those who had their seizure medication continued. Total scores and the prosensity adjusted difference in scores on the WIDEA-FS were 4 points higher in the ASM discontinued group raising the possibility of risk of harm from the continuation of ASM. However, the variability in the ASM exposure amongst the neonates followed up makes it difficult to interpret the reported neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page