Incidence Of Seizures In Patients Research Articles

Incidence and determinants of seizures in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

BackgroundSeizures are reported to be more prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with the general population. Existing data predominantly originate from population-based studies, which introduce variability in methodologies...

Safety and Efficacy of Levetiracetam for Prevention of Epileptic Seizures in Acute Phase of Intracerebral Bleeding

Background: Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures due to anomalous brain activity, is a significant complication for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The onset of epileptic convulsions during the acute phase of ICH can worsen the patient's prognosis and survival chances, making it crucial to identify a safe and effective method to prevent these seizures. Levetiracetam, a pyrrolidone derivative, is noted for its unique mechanism of action, exceptional tolerability, and advantageous pharmacokinetics, making it efficacious against various types of seizures. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of levetiracetam in preventing epileptic seizures during the acute phase of ICH and to determine its impact on neurological outcomes in this patient population. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted between October 2022 and June 2023 at Pak Emirates Military Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, involving 85 patients with spontaneous ICH confirmed by CT or MRI within 24 hours of symptom onset. Inclusion criteria included adult patients aged 18 or older, with various forms of ICH, excluding isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage, penetrating wound injury, depressed skull fracture, or early posttraumatic seizure. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 6, serum creatinine level >1.7 mg/dL, history of psychosis, unprovoked seizures, cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries, or encephalitis within the previous three years were excluded. Patients were administered an initial loading dose of levetiracetam (1,000 to 1,500 mg), followed by a maintenance dose (500 to 1,500 mg every 12 hours) based on renal function. Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring was used to detect seizures for at least the first 72 hours of hospital admission. The primary outcome was the incidence of epileptic seizures during hospitalization, while the secondary outcome was the patient's neurological status at discharge, assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.89 years (SD=7.46), with 62.35% male and 37.65% female. The mean GCS score at admission was 10.52 (SD=2.13), and the mean volume of ICH was 17.5 ml (SD=3.4). At baseline, 2.35% of patients had GCS scores of 3-5, which improved to 0% after treatment. The percentage of patients with GCS scores of 13-15 increased from 65.88% to 83.52% (p=0.3730). Seizures within the first 7 days occurred in 10.58% of patients, and the overall seizure incidence during hospitalization was 20%. At discharge, 9.41% of patients had an mRS score of 0, and the percentage of patients with an mRS score of 2 increased significantly from 18.18% to 37.64% (p=0.4086*). The percentage of patients with severe disability (mRS score of 5) significantly decreased from 22.72% to 5.68% (p=0.0094*). Conclusion: Levetiracetam is effective in improving neurological outcomes and reducing the incidence of seizures in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage, with a manageable safety profile. These findings suggest that levetiracetam can be a valuable addition to therapeutic strategies for managing ICH-related seizures, potentially enhancing patient care and improving health outcomes.

Exploring the association of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis and BTK inhibitors with epilepsy.

Multiple lines of evidence suggest a role of inflammation in epilepsy. Seizure incidence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is twofold to threefold higher than the age-matched general population. To explore the association of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and FDA-approved Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for lymphocytic malignancies) with the occurrence of epilepsy using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Secondary analysis of the FAERS database. We conducted a disproportionality analysis of FAERS between 2003-Q4 and 2023-Q3. MS DMTs and the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ibrutinib, were included in the analysis. An inverse association was defined by a 95% confidence interval (CI) upper limit of reporting odds ratio (ROR) <1. We found an inverse association of ibrutinib, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab, and teriflunomide with epilepsy. The strongest inverse association was seen with ibrutinib (ROR: 0.338; 95% CI: 0.218-0.524). Our findings suggest the possibility of considering these medications for repurposing opportunities in epilepsy and support a potential pathogenic role of leukocyte subsets in seizure perpetuation.

Outcomes Associated With Levetiracetam Use After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of seizures in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who received prophylactic levetiracetam. This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the use of levetiracetam in patients without a history of seizures who experienced a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 18years of age, had a documented history of a seizure disorder, or had an antiseizure drug documented on their home medication list. Patients were based on their exposure to levetiracetam. The primary outcome was incidence of seizure during hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of adverse events, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS. Of the 229 patients included in the final analysis, 21 were in the levetiracetam group (LEV) and 208 were in the no levetiracetam group (no LEV). No statistical difference in seizure incidence was observed when comparing the LEV and no LEV groups (1 [4.8%] LEV vs 3 [1.4%] no LEV; P = .32). There was also no statistical difference in the median ICU LOS (2days [1day, 5days] LEV vs 2days [1day, 3days] no LEV; P = .27), median hospital LOS (6days [2days, 8days] LEV vs 6days [3days, 9days] no LEV; P = .27), or adverse events. This study does not support the use of levetiracetam prophylaxis in patients who have experienced an ICH.

The Predictors of Seizures in Patients with Encephalocele: An 11-Year Experience from a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate and identify the predictors associated with the incidence of seizures in patients with encephalocele (EC). Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients treated for EC at a tertiary medical center in Tehran between 2010 and 2021. Data including age at presentation, gender, location, size, and content of EC, ventriculomegaly, hydrocephalus, associated anomalies, and neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) were evaluated for their prognostic value. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the correlation between independent predictors and seizure incidence. Results: One hundred and two cases of EC were identified. Seventy-one ECs (69.6%) were posterior ECs, while 31 (30.4%) were anterior. Neural tissue was found in 43 (42.2%) of the ECs. Thirty-three patients (32.4%) had ventriculomegaly, of which 90.9% underwent shunt placement for progressive or symptomatic hydrocephalus. Seizure was found in 26 (25.5%) patients. On univariate analysis, presence of other anomalies, postoperative infections, and NDD were associated with seizures (p < 0.05). When the anomalies were categorized into intracranial and extracranial groups in univariate analysis, none was associated with statistically significant increase in seizure (p values of 0.09 and 0.61, respectively). Although according to multivariate analysis, only the association between other associated anomalies and seizure was near significant (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 0.95–4.2, p = 0.049). Children with NDD and postoperative infection were, respectively, 3.04 and 1.3 times more at risk to experience seizures compared to other patients. Conclusion: We found a rate of 25.5% risk of seizure in patients with EC. This study could not find any significant predictors of seizure in children with EC. However, pediatric patients with postoperative infections including sepsis, wound infection, and NDD require more consideration to reduce the risk of seizure.

Seizure Incidence in Patients under Clozapine

Clozapine can cause potentially fatal side effects, including seizures. In the absence of therapeutic alternatives, well-coded guidelines are required for the management of this adverse effect in order to maintain treatment. Our aim is to determine the incidence of seizures associated with clozapine use in our hospital, to study the factors associated with this side effect, and to establish a clear, unified attitude based on a review of the literature. Among 483 patients treated with clozapine, 11 cases of seizures were reported, with a rate of 2.27% and an incidence of 1.62 cases per 1000 person-years. 80% of these patients presented tonic-clonic seizures, preceded by myoclonus in 2 cases, and the average seizure onset dose was estimated at 560mg/day. The course of action varied from one psychiatrist to another. Clozapine was discontinued in the case of one patient after the first episode, and doses were reduced in 8 patients from 28 to 75% of the therapeutic dose reached before. Six patients received additional antiepileptic agent.

The case of a geriatric female experiencing frequent falls and epileptic seizures during long-term low-dose clozapine and extended-release bupropion treatment

There are few reports describing the incidence of seizures in patients prescribed a combination of clozapine and bupropion for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, despite the known drug-drug interaction associated with concomitant use. We report the case of a 67-year-old geriatric woman who experienced multiple falls and seizures while receiving a low daily dose of clozapine 200 mg and bupropion extended-release (XL) 150 mg. There was no recurrence of seizure activity after discontinuation of bupropion and initiation of an antiepileptic drug, divalproex. This case report suggests that bupropion in combination with low-dose clozapine may increase the risk of seizures in elderly patients.

Incidence and Association of Seizures in Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Therapies

Background: Endovascular therapies have revolutionized the treatment of stroke, but post-stroke seizures continued as significant complication that impacted morbidity. Objectives: We examined the incidence and association of seizures in stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods: Investigation included 384 hospitalized patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke undergoing EVT. To distinguish and investigate the stroke, and to identify subtypes of stroke using the TOAST classification, the incidence of seizures was determined in stroke patients following EVT through brain imaging. Results: We analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of 384 stroke patients who underwent EVT and had seizures. Seizures were found to occur in 6.51% of EVT patients (p&gt;0.05). Occurrence of seizures was non-substantially affected by comorbidities like hypertension, cardiac maladies and diabetes. Majority of stroke patients (82.81%) suffered from ischemic strokes, while only 17.18% had hemorrhagic strokes. Large artery atherosclerosis was the most prevalent subtype of stroke associated with seizures following EVT. The severity of the stroke and existing of cortical involvement were not significantly associated with seizures (p&lt;0.05), whereas lower age and early seizures after EVT were associated with a marginally increased risk of experiencing seizures. Overall, study indicated that incidence of seizures following EVT was relatively low and influenced by particular factors. Practical implication: This study emphasized the need for personalized patient care strategies, including vigilant surveillance for seizures and preventative interventions, to enhance the outcomes of stroke patients undergoing endovascular therapy. Conclusion: Seizures are a significant complication of EVT for stroke patients. Stroke severity and etiology may influence seizure risk, highlighting the significance of vigilant monitoring and proactive management to reduce the incidence of seizures in this patient population. Keywords: Endovascular treatment; Epidemiology; Epilepsy; Hemorrhage; Seizures; Thrombectomy.

Non-motor seizure diagnosed after mild traumatic brain injury: a case report

Introduction: In 10% of head injury cases, nonmotor seizures were detected by electroencephalography (EEG) performed in the acute phase. Nonmotor seizures are often not diagnosed at the start of treatment because the symptoms are often not recognized by the patient's family or doctor. The incidence of seizures in patients with minor head injuries is very low. From the literature, it was found that the type and severity of the head injury is a significant factors in the incidence of post-traumatic seizure. Thus, in this article, we report a case of nonmotor seizures in a patient after a minor head injury. Case description: An Indonesian female, 53 years old, complained of sudden silence when speaking after 4 days earlier, she fell and hit her head on the right side. There was no loss of consciousness, headache, vomiting or limb weakness. Complaints of motor seizures and a history of previous seizures were denied. There were no cranium defects, hematomas, or open wounds on examination. The results of laboratory tests and non-contrast head CT scans were expected. On electroencephalography (EEG) examination, epileptiform waves were found in the left temporal region. The patient was given anti-seizure drugs, and complaints improved within 2 days of therapy. It is crucial to carry out an EEG examination in the acute phase of a head injury to exclude the possibility of nonmotor seizures and brain dysfunction, which will be at risk of causing seizures later in life after trauma. Conclusion: EEG examination in the acute phase of head injury is used to exclude the possibility of nonmotor seizures and brain dysfunction, which will be at risk of causing seizures later in life after trauma.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Toxicity and Management Considerations

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Toxicity and Management Considerations

Association of cognitive enhancers and incident seizure risk in dementia: a population-based study

BackgroundAlthough individuals with dementia have a high risk of developing seizures, whether seizures are associated with cholinesterase inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed to treat individuals with dementia, remains unknown. This study investigated the risk of incident seizure following cholinesterase inhibitor use in patients with dementia.MethodsA nationwide, nested case-control study was conducted using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) from 2014 through 2018. A total of 13,767 participants aged 65–95 years who experienced incident seizure were propensity score-matched for medical comorbidities and drug exposure at a 1:3 ratio with a control group of 39,084 participants. The study examined the incidence of seizures in patients diagnosed with dementia within one year after receiving cognitive enhancers. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for seizure incidence according to cholinesterase inhibitor use were analyzed using a multivariable conditional logistic regression model.ResultsThere was no statistically significant association between duration of cholinesterase inhibitors use and seizure risk. Although there was slight increased seizure risk in patient after receiving donepezil for 1 year compared to memantine, subgroup analyses stratified age and sex did not reveal any significant association between cholinesterase inhibitors use and late-onset seizure.ConclusionsOur findings suggest no immediate increase in seizure risk is associated with cholinesterase inhibitor use, although the risk of seizure in patients with dementia did increase after one year of continued medication intake. Further study is required to obtain confirmatory results on the seizure-related safety of cognitive enhancers in patients with dementia.

Displacement of Gray Matter and Incidence of Seizures in Patients with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations.

Seizures are the most common presentation in patients with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). Based on the hypothesis that the volume or proportion of gray matter (GM) displaced by CCMs is associated with the risk of seizure, we developed an algorithm by which to quantify the volume and proportion of displaced GM and the risk of seizure. Image analysis was conducted on 111 patients with solitary CCMs (divided into seizure and nonseizure groups) from our gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) database from February 2005 and March 2020. The CCM algorithm proved effective in quantifying the GM and CCM using T1WI MRI images. In the seizure group, 11 of the 12 patients exhibited seizures at the initial presentation, and all CCMs in the seizure group were supratentorial. The location of the limbic lobe within the CCM was significantly associated with the risk of seizure (OR = 19.6, p = 0.02). The risk of seizure increased when the proportion of GM displaced by the CCM exceeded 31%. It was also strongly correlated with the volume of displaced GM. The volume and proportion of displaced GM were both positively correlated with the risk of seizure presentation/development and thus could be used to guide seizure prophylaxis in CCM patients.

Tumor type, epilepsy burden, and seizure documentation: experiences at a single center neuro-oncology clinic.

Patients with both primary and metastatic brain tumors have significant seizure burden due to their tumor. The management of tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) and optimizing antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens requires collaboration between neurologists and seizure specialists, which is facilitated by seizure documentation in clinic notes. We aim to describe seizure incidence in patients seen in neuro-oncology clinical practice. Further, in the subset of those patients with TRE, we aim to analyze seizure documentation. This is a retrospective review of patients with a primary or metastatic brain tumor seen in a neuro-oncology clinic in October 2019. Patients with TRE were included in the analysis of seizure documentation. These notes were analyzed for inclusion of seizure descriptors, terminology, AED regimens, and changes in management. Of the full cohort of 356 patients, 199 (55.9%) had TRE. Anaplastic astrocytomas had the highest percentage of patients with TRE. The analysis of seizure documentation in patients with TRE revealed that the majority of notes (90.9%) mentioned seizures. Fewer notes (39.6%) provided additional descriptions of the seizures or commented on AED regimens (58.3%). In notes for patients who had seizures within the previous 6 months, seizure descriptors were more likely. This study defines the TRE burden in a cohort of patients seen in neuro-oncology clinic. Among patients with TRE, our study shows that documentation of many aspects of the characteristics and management of patient seizures can be improved, which would facilitate further analysis of impact on patient care as well as future research.

Role of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs in chronic subdural hematoma-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic subdural hematoma is a common neurosurgical pathology, which is more commonly seen in the elderly age group. Few patients with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) can have seizures-either before or after surgical intervention. Reported incidence of seizures varies from 0.7-18.5% in patients with cSDH. Many factors which have been proposed to increase the risk of seizures in these patients include the presence of encapsulated membranes, occult cortical injury, mass effect, or an acute hemorrhage. The role of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs is not very clear in cSDH. We reviewed the currently available evidence for the use of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with cSDH. We included 13 studies in the systematic review and 6 studies compared the incidence of seizures in patients who received antiepileptic drugs with those who did not. Our review did not find any significant reduction in the incidence of seizures in patients with cSDH following administration of antiepileptic drugs.

Anticonvulsants for Preventing Seizures in Patients with Chronic Subdural Haematoma: Pilot Study

Introduction: There is increasing of the incidence of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH), due to increase of the elderly population with increase of intake oral anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs in this category of patients. Seizures occur as a complication in 2.3% to 20.4% of the patients. There is a considerable side effect associated with using of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Aim of the Study: To rule the value of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs in prevention of seizures after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma. Methods: A prospective controlled non-randomized study was performed on 26 patients with chronic or subacute subdural hematoma that was surgically evacuated through burr-holes from April 2017 to June 2019. We divided the patients into 2 groups: group A patients received prophylactic antiepileptic drugs for 6 month and group B patients didn’t receive prophylactic antiepileptic drugs and the 2 groups were observed to detect occurrence of post-operative seizures for 6-month follow-up after surgery. Medical history, demographic data and imaging characteristics were recorded. Results: Seizure prevalence for all patients during hospitalization and 6-month follow-up was zero among the 13 patients who received prophylactic anti-seizure medications, and was 1 (7.7%) among the 13 patients who didn’t receive prophylactic anti-seizure medications. Conclusions: The incidence of post-operative seizures in patients with chronic subdural hematoma operated upon by burr holes evacuation is low. The administration of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs decreases the incidence of seizures after evacuation of CSDH, but the difference was not significant. So prophylactic antiepileptic drugs should not be routinely given for all patients with CSDH operated upon by burr hole evacuation unless there is risk factor for seizure development.

Incidence of Seizures in Fat Embolism Syndrome Over a 10-Year Period: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database.

Data regarding the incidence of seizures in patients diagnosed with fat embolism syndrome (FES) are lacking. We examined the incidence of seizures in patients with FES, and the impact of seizures on outcomes over a 10-year period. Using the National Inpatient Sample data set we identified adults (age 18 y old or above) with a diagnosis of FES (ICD-9 958.1) between 2005 and 2014, and categorized them according to the presence or absence of seizures. We excluded patients with a history of epilepsy or traumatic brain injury RESULTS:: Of the 66,227,531 discharges, we identified 1888 patients (0.003%) with FES of which 53% were male and mean age of 56 (±57.45). Seizure or epilepsy rate in patients with FES was 2.86% (1.69% with seizures and 1.16% with epilepsy), as compared with 3.6% in all hospitalized patients without FES. The Charlson Comorbidity Index for all FES patients was 2.38 (±5.28) and was similar for those with and without seizures. Hospital length of stay was higher in patients with FES and seizures versus those without seizures (14.59 vs. 10.82 d, P=0.09). No statistically significant difference in mortality was observed between the 2 groups. The rate of seizure and epilepsy in patients with FES is low when compared with rates in all hospitalized patients or in patients with other causes of acute neurological injury such as intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Further studies are needed to provide recommendations for antiepileptic medication use in FES.

Seizure frequency in patients with isolated subdural hematoma and preserved consciousness

ABSTRACTBackground: Seizures are a complication of subdural hematoma (SDH), and there is substantial variability in the use of seizure prophylaxis for patients with SDH. However, the incidence of seizures in patients with SDH without severe neurotrauma is not clear. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of and factors associated with seizures in patients with isolated SDH (iSDH) without severe neurotrauma.Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we identified adults with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≥13 and computed tomography (CT)-documented iSDH. The primary outcome was clinical seizure frequency. Seizure medication use was also assessed. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to assess association.Results: Of 643 patients with iSDH, 14 (2.2%) had seizures during hospitalization. Of 630 patients (98%) not receiving seizure medication prior to SDH, 522 (82.9%) received levetiracetam. Of the patients who received a seizure medication, 12 (2.3%) had a seizure, while of the 121 patients who did not receive seizure medications, 2 (1.9%) had a seizure (p = .49). In multivariable regression, the only variable significantly associated with seizure was thickness of subdural hematoma (OR 1.16, p = .005).Conclusion: In patients with iSDH and preserved consciousness, in-hospital seizures were rare regardless of seizure medications use.

Influence of weather on seizure frequency — Clinical experience in the emergency room of a tertiary hospital

IntroductionSome patients with epilepsy identify weather as a typical seizure trigger. However, it is yet to be confirmed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate possible relationships between daily meteorological conditions and the daily incidence of seizures. MethodsThis was a retrospective single center study that included adult patients who were admitted to the emergency room of a tertiary hospital in Lisbon, with a seizure, between January and December 2015. The influence of temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, wind, precipitation, sunlight duration, and the seasons on seizure frequency was evaluated. ResultsThree hundred seven seizure episodes were included (from 286 patients) in a total of 365 days, 117 (38.1%) first unprovoked seizures and 190 (61.9%) with previous seizure episodes. There were 82 days with higher incidence of seizures (≥2) and 171 days without seizures. We found a statistical significant relation between lower ambient temperatures, higher atmospheric pressure, and higher maximum humidity with days with two or more seizures. We also found a statistically significant higher incidence of seizures in the winter days (p-value: 0.001) and in days with lower daylight duration (10.8 vs. 12.7 h; p-value: 0.0001). With the exception of humidity, these findings remained true when analyzing the subgroup of patients with previous seizures, but there was no significant difference in the subgroup of first unprovoked seizures. ConclusionsOur results support the possible influence of the weather on seizure frequency in the overall admissions of the emergency department of a tertiary hospital. In particular, these findings suggest that winter conditions, such as, lower ambient temperatures, higher atmospheric pressure, higher humidity, and reduced sunlight exposure, may have impact in the occurrence of higher incidence of seizures in patients with epilepsy.

The Effect of Keppra Prophylaxis on the Incidence of Early Onset, Post-traumatic Brain Injury Seizures.

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-term disability. Early onset post-traumatic seizures (PTS) after traumatic injury to the brain is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in these patients. Our study investigates the role of Keppra in early PTS prophylaxis compared to no treatment, taking into account risk factors including injury severity, seizure history, and anti-epileptic drug (AED) use.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study based on patient chart data from January 2013 to January 2017 at a level one trauma center in the United States. A t-test was performed with P<0.05 as significant; we utilized a 95% confidence interval (CI) for our findings. Subgroup analysis was performed, with respect to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (Group A: Mild GCS=13-15, Keppra N=135, Non-Keppra N=122; Group B: Moderate GCS=9-12, Keppra N=23, Non-Keppra N=19; Group C: Severe GCS= <8, Keppra N=69, Non-Keppra=35).Results: Of 403 patients included in the study, 227 were given Keppra. Demographics between treatment groups were similar. Whole cohort analysis confirmed six patients with PTS, and no significant difference between groups (Keppra N=3, Non-Keppra N=3, OR=0.77, P=0.75, 95% CI=(0.154-3.87)). Subgroup analysis revealed reduction in seizure incidence in Keppra groups A (OR=0.18, P=0.27, 95% CI=(0.008-3.80)) and B (OR=0.82, P=0.92, 95% CI=(0.015-43.7)), but this reduction was not statistically significant. Those with the severe TBI in group C accounted for the majority of seizures (n=4, OR=1.52, P=0.71, 95% CI=(0.15-15.4)). Conclusion: Patients with more severe TBI suffered a higher incidence of early-onset post-traumatic seizures. Data of the cohort as a whole revealed a trend towards a lower seizure incidence in patients who were treated with Keppra prophylaxis. Despite this trend, the decrease in seizure incidence did not reach statistical significance.

S71. To study if Levetiracetam (Lev) is effective in reducing the incidence of Early Post Traumatic Seizures (EPTS) in 0–17 years old children with Closed Head Trauma (CHT)

Introduction EPTS occur within seven days of the head trauma. Seizures occur in 10% of traumatic brain injury patients. 20% of people with CHT and intracranial bleeding (ICH) have EPTS. 25% patients will have another seizure after their first EPTS. Use of phenytoin to prevent EPTS is the current standard of care in the first seven days post head trauma. In the adult population, some studies have shown that Lev is effective in decreasing the frequency of EPTS. However, in the pediatric population, these studies are lacking. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to our institution’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit over a 5 year period, with a diagnosis of CHT. 38 patients were identified. Presence of ICH and incidence of EPTS was compared between 27 patients who received Lev and 11 patients who did not receive anti-epileptic drug (AED) treatment. Results Incidence of EPTS was 23.7% (9 of 38–7 after Lev, 2 without AED). Neither was there a significant difference (Chi Square p value ‘p’ = 0.45) in incidence of seizures in patients with Lev (7/27) compared to those without AED (2/11), nor in incidence of seizures in patients with ICH with lev (7/21) compared to those with ICH without AED (2/5) (p = 0.77). Conclusion In 0–17 year old children with CHT, with or without ICH, Lev does not significantly reduce the incidence of EPTS. Analyzing a larger number of patients may lend evidence supporting or refuting this conclusion.