Presentation Information

The Classics Versus New and Upcoming Therapies: Which is Better for Neonatal Seizures?

• Speaker: Mary Petrea Cober , PharmD, BCNSP, BCPPS, FASPEN
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

The lifetime risk of seizures is highest in the neonatal period. While the etiology of neonatal seizures is commonly the result of acute brain injury, other possibilities exist. Unfortunately, the need to treat neonatal seizures with anti-epileptic therapies or the timing and duration of therapeutic management is still vastly unknown. While phenobarbital has long been considered the mainstay of first-line medical therapy for neonatal seizures, newer agents are increasing in their popularity due to fewer side effects and concerns regarding potential neuronal apoptosis with phenobarbital. This presentation will discuss the etiology, need and timing for therapeutic management, compare and contrast various anti-epileptic therapies, and first-line, second-line, and therapies following initial failure for neonatal seizures.