Requirements of Routine Maintenance Dose of Phenobarbitone after Loading Dose in Perinatal Asphyxia with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Stage 2: A Hospital Based Study in Bangladesh

The study investigates whether neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) stage 2 need a maintenance dose of phenobarbitone after an initial loading dose. Conducted on 60 neonates, it compared outcomes between those receiving only a loading dose and those receiving both loading and maintenance doses. The results showed no significant difference in seizure recurrence or serum phenobarbitone levels between the two groups. This suggests that a maintenance dose may not be necessary if seizures are initially controlled with the loading dose. Avoiding maintenance doses could reduce potential side effects and cumulative drug exposure.