JOURNAL ARTICLE
META-ANALYSIS
REVIEW
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Levetiracetam versus phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in brain injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background The onset of early and/or late seizures in brain injured patients is associated with worse outcome. So far, phenytoin is the most commonly used antiepileptic drug to prevent seizures in this group of patients. Objective In the current metaanalysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of phenytoin versus levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis in brain injured patients. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library Database by 2 investigators. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included (295 patients). Data were extracted and the quality of each RCT was assessed. Results Levetiracetam was found to be more effective than phenytoin in seizure prophylaxis (OR = 0.23; CI 95% [0.09-0.56]; Q test p value = 0.18 and I2  = 38%). A trend toward less serious side effects was also found in patients treated with levetiracetam (OR = 0.27; CI 95% [0.07-1.07]; Q test p value = 0.72 and I2  = 0%). Conclusion Levetiracetam is more effective and safer than phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in brain injured patients.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app