The Efficacy and Safety of Levetiracetam Versus Fosphenytoin in Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Summary

Status epilepticus (SE) is an emergency, life-threatening medical condition that may cause irreversible cerebral damage. Therefore, the rapid and secure cessation of seizures and resuscitation is crucial. Potent gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists, including benzodiazepines, are recommended as first-line treatments. For the complete cessation of SE and prevention of recurrence, long-acting antiepileptic drugs (e.g.- FPHT) are also required as second-line treatments along with short-acting benzodiazepines. Intravenous fosphenytoin (FPHT) is associated with fewer adverse events such as life-threatening arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, hypotension, and allergic reactions. Levetiracetam (LEV), is considered to be effective for SE with less serious adverse events including dizziness, somnolence, headache, and transient agitation, but there have been no reports of arrhythmias, hypotension, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or hepatotoxicity. Preceding studies show that levetiracetam is similarly effective and associated with fewer adverse effects than those of fosphenytoin. Few trials have compared the effectiveness and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) and fosphenytoin (FHP) for status epilepticus worldwide. Moreover, genetic variation is likely to play a crucial role in the development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) including drug resistance. By far, no study has yet been conducted addressing the issue of efficacy and safety between levetiracetam (LEV) and fosphenytoin (FHP) in status epilepticus in the context of the Bangladeshi population. A comparative study of the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) and fosphenytoin (FHP) will be expected to give more confidence for the use of the drug. Considering this the study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) and fosphenytoin (FHP) in status epilepticus. This study finding has an implication in the treatment protocol which will be beneficial for the patients and physicians as well. Furthermore, it will give input to the policymaker for developing new guidelines regarding status epilepticus management and also encourage future research.

Conditions

• Status Epilepticus

Interventions

DRUG

Levetiracetam Injection

Levetiracetam at 60 mg/kg (max dose 4500 mg) will be intravenously administered in 100mL of normal saline at an administration rate of 2-5mg/kg/min or over 10 minutes. After 30 minutes following Levetiracetam needle time reassessment of the patient will be done to determine the outcomes.

DRUG

Fosphenytoin Injection

Fosphenytoin at 20 mg/kg (Phenytoin equivalent dose of 15 mg/kg) will be intravenously administered in 100mL of normal saline at an administration rate not exceeding 3mg/kg/min or 150 mg/min. After 30 minutes following the Fosphenytoin needle time reassessment of the patient will be done to determine the outcomes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dhaka Medical College

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Dr Md Amirul Islam, MBBS · MD (Neurology) Phase B Resident

• Professor Dr Kazi Gias Uddin Ahmed, MD · Professor of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College

• Dr Reaz Mahmud, MD · Assistant Professor of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-05-15

Primary Completion

2024-08-31

Completion

2024-10-31

Countries

• Bangladesh

Study Locations