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Published in: Neurological Research and Practice 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research article

Brivaracetam and topiramate serum levels during pregnancy and delivery: a case report and a review of literature

Authors: Wiebke Hahn, Leona Möller, Katja Menzler, Tobias Poeplau, Uwe Wagner, Susanne Knake

Published in: Neurological Research and Practice | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

An increasing use of newer antiseizure medication (ASM) such as SV2A ligand brivaracetam is observed. However, data on newer antiseizure medication and therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy is scarce.

Methods

Therapeutic drug monitoring of brivaracetam (BRV) and topiramate (TPM) serum levels were performed during pregnancy, delivery and in the umbilical cord blood at delivery in a 34-year-old female patient with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.

Results

During pregnancy, the serum levels of brivaracetam and topiramate remained stable. At 39th week of pregnancy, the patient gave birth to a healthy daughter. 1.5 h after the last ASM intake, the penetration rate measured in umbilical cord blood was 45% lower for BRV and 35% lower for TPM.

Conclusions

While the pharmacokinetics of topiramate are well known and its use during pregnancy should only be undertaken under special circumstances, there have been few studies on newer ASM in pregnancy such as brivaracetam. Based on our results and other case reports of BRV use during pregnancy, further studies are necessary to confirm its pharmacokinetics and safety during pregnancy.
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Metadata
Title
Brivaracetam and topiramate serum levels during pregnancy and delivery: a case report and a review of literature
Authors
Wiebke Hahn
Leona Möller
Katja Menzler
Tobias Poeplau
Uwe Wagner
Susanne Knake
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Neurological Research and Practice / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2524-3489
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-024-00312-9

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