Levetiracetam versus Phenobarbitone as First Line Antiepileptic Drug in Management of Neonatal Seizures: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Neonatal seizures require urgent intervention, yet the optimal first-line treatment remains a subject of ongoing debate. While Phenobarbitone (PB) remains the traditional standard of care, its use is increasingly scrutinised due to adverse effects like respiratory depression and potential neurotoxicity in the developing brain. Levetiracetam (LEV) has emerged as a promising alternative with a more favourable safety profile and superior neurodevelopmental outcomes, but direct comparative data remain limited.