[Theophylline toxicity in a patient with status asthmaticus].

Abstract

A 70-year-old woman was hospitalized for status asthmaticus. The level of CRP was high and chest roentgenogram showed infiltrative shadows in the left middle lung field. Artificial respiration and continuous infusion of methylprednisolone and aminophylline 750 mg/24 hr were performed. Eight hours after admission, seizures suddenly occurred. At this time, brain CT showed no abnormal findings. The seizures were thought to be induced by theophylline toxicity, since serum theophylline concentration was high at 69.9 micrograms/ml. Because theophylline clearance of the patient in a clinically stable condition was normal, it was speculated that theophylline clearance was reduced during status asthmaticus. It is thought that this rare case of theophylline toxicity occurred due to reduction of theophylline clearance during status asthmaticus associated with pneumonia.

• Authors: Y Saitoh, T Bando, K Kanamori, J Mifune, F Sasaki, T Ishizaki, S Miyabo
• Journal: Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai zasshi (Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 30 Issue 12 Pg. 2118-22 (Dec 1992) ISSN: 0301-1542 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 1289633 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Theophylline

Topics

• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Seizures (chemically induced)
• Status Asthmaticus (drug therapy)
• Theophylline (adverse effects)