Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Sep 2010
ReviewA prospective evaluation and literature review of levetiracetam use in patients with brain tumors and seizures.
To determine the safety and tolerability of IV and oral levetiracetam monotherapy for seizures in brain tumor patients following resection. Brain tumor patients undergoing neurosurgery with >or=1 seizure within the preceding month prior to surgery were enrolled to receive intravenous levetiracetam for a minimum of 48 h, transitioned to oral levetiracetam at the same dose, and followed for 1-month after discharge. Patients were assessed daily in the hospital, provided with a seizure diary, and supplied with 30 days of levetiracetam upon discharge. ⋯ Levetiracetam monotherapy was found to be safe and tolerable in this patient population. Nearly all patients achieved a >or=50% reduction in seizure frequency post-op with levetiracetam monotherapy. Levetiracetam also has the potential for less drug interactions compared to phenytoin in these patients.