Continuous subcutaneous levetiracetam in the management of seizures at the end of life: a case report

Age Ageing. 2016 Mar;45(2):321-2. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afv195. Epub 2016 Jan 6.

Abstract

We report the case of a man who developed seizures on a background of recurrent metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with intracranial involvement. Initial seizure control with enteral levetiracetam was achieved, and when enteral and intravenous (i.v.) access was no longer available, a continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) of levetiracetam successfully controlled his seizures without the need for sedating anticonvulsants. As a result, end-of-life care was able to be given with the patient retaining the ability to communicate with his family and healthcare staff. This report adds to the sparse but growing evidence base for the use of subcutaneous levetiracetam to manage seizures in palliative and end-of-life care.

Keywords: infusion; levetiracetam; older people; palliative; seizures; subcutaneous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Subcutaneous
  • Levetiracetam
  • Male
  • Palliative Care
  • Piracetam / administration & dosage
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives*
  • Quality of Life
  • Scalp / pathology*
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Terminal Care*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam