Indian Pediatr. 2021 Jun 28:S097475591600346. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-seizure drug levels and associated factors in children with breakthrough seizures.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a public hospital between November 2017 to April 2019, included 145 children with epilepsy aged 2 to 12 years presenting with breakthrough seizure. Anti-seizure drug levels were measured, and the levels were categorized as within, below, and above the reference range.
RESULTS: Children with epilepsy receiving sodium valproate, phenytoin and carbamazepine were 111 (73%), 31 (20.4%) and 10 (6.6%), respectively, of which 7 were receiving multiple anti-seizure drugs. Drug levels below the reference range were found in 64 (44.1%), within the reference range in 70 (48.3%), and the above reference range in 11 (7.6%) children.
CONCLUSION: Nearly half the children with breakthrough seizures had sub-therapeutic levels, especially those on phenytoin therapy. Drug levels in below therapeutic range do not predict the occurrence of breakthrough seizures.
PMID:34183465
