Efficacy of single dose of phenytoin/fosphenytoin in benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study evaluated the efficacy of a single dose of phenytoin/fosphenytoin (PHT) to control repetitive seizures in children with benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG).

METHODS:

Children aged between 3 months and 5 years with CwG were retrospectively enrolled. Convulsions with mild gastroenteritis were defined as (a) seizures with acute gastroenteritis without fever or dehydration; (b) normal blood laboratory results; and (c) normal electroencephalography and brain imaging findings. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not intravenous PHT (10 mg/kg of phenytoin or phenytoin equivalents) was administered. Clinical manifestations and treatment efficacy were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS:

Ten of 41 children eligible for inclusion received PHT. Compared to children in the non-PHT group, those in the PHT group had a higher number of seizures (5.2 ± 2.3 vs. 1.6 ± 1.0, P < 0.001) and a lower serum sodium level (133.5 ± 3.2 mmol/L vs. 137.2 ± 2.6 mmol/L, P = 0.001). Initial serum sodium levels were negatively correlated with seizure frequency (r = -0.438, P = 0.004). In all patients, seizures were completely resolved with a single dose of PHT. There were no significant adverse effects from PHT.

CONCLUSIONS:

A single dose of PHT can effectively treat CwG with repetitive seizures. The serum sodium channel may play a role in seizure severity.

• Authors: Keun Soo Lee, Bo Lyun Lee
• Journal: The Turkish journal of pediatrics (Turk J Pediatr) Vol. 65 Issue 1 Pg. 109-117 ( 2023) ISSN: 2791-6421 [Electronic] Turkey
• PMID: 36866990 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• fosphenytoin
• Phenytoin
• Sodium

Topics

• Child
• Humans
• Infant
• Phenytoin (therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Seizures (drug therapy, etiology)
• Gastroenteritis (complications, drug therapy)
• Sodium