The Influence of Perioperative Seizure Prophylaxis on Seizure Rate and Hospital Quality Metrics Following Glioma Resection

BACKGROUND Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently administered prophylactically to mitigate seizures following craniotomy for brain tumor resection. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the efficacy of AEDs, and their influence on surgery-related outcomes is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of perioperative AEDs on postoperative seizure rate and hospital-reported quality metrics. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted, incorporating all adult patients who underwent craniotomy for glioma resection at our institution between 1999 and 2014. Patients in 2 cohorts-those receiving and those not receiving prophylactic AEDs-were compared on the incidence of postoperative seizures and several hospital quality metrics including length of stay, discharge status, and use of hospital resources. RESULTS Among 342 patients with glioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery, 301 (88%) received AED prophylaxis and 41 (12%) did not. Seventeen patients (5.6%) in the prophylaxis group developed a seizure within 14 days of surgery, compared with 1 (2.4%) in the standard group (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [0.3-17.4]). Median hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay were similar between the cohorts. There was also no difference in the rate at which patients presented within 90 days postoperatively to the emergency department or required hospital readmission. In addition, the rate of hospital resource consumption, including electroencephalogram and computed tomography scan acquisition, and neurology consultation, was similar between both groups. CONCLUSION The administration of prophylactic AEDs following glioma surgery did not influence the rate of perioperative seizures, nor did it reduce healthcare resource consumption. The role of perioperative seizure prophylaxis should be closely reexamined, and reconsideration given to this commonplace practice.