Diazepam by continuous intravenous infusion for status epilepticus in anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of status epilepticus in a patient with anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) that was controlled successfully using continuous intravenous infusion diazepam. AHS and alternatives for treatment of status epilepticus are also reviewed.

DESIGN:

Single case report.

SETTING:

217-bed children's university hospital.

PATIENT:

Four-year-old, 20-kg girl, diagnosed with idiopathic tonic-clonic epilepsy, who developed AHS to phenobarbital and phenytoin and status epilepticus unresponsive to lorazepam.

RESULTS:

Diazepam intravenous infusion at dosages titrated to 8 mg/h was used successfully to control seizures for eight days until signs and symptoms of AHS had resolved and maintenance therapy with valproic acid was started.

CONCLUSIONS:

Continuous intravenous infusion diazepam is a reasonable therapeutic choice for the management of status epilepticus in a patient with AHS when traditional therapy such as phenytoin and phenobarbital cannot be used.

• Authors: R J Bertz, D L Howrie
• Journal: The Annals of pharmacotherapy (Ann Pharmacother) Vol. 27 Issue 3 Pg. 298-301 (Mar 1993) ISSN: 1060-0280 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8453164 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Phenytoin
• Diazepam
• Phenobarbital

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects)
• Child, Preschool
• Diazepam (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Drug Hypersensitivity (etiology)
• Female
• Hospitals, Pediatric
• Hospitals, University
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Phenobarbital (adverse effects)
• Phenytoin (adverse effects)
• Status Epilepticus (drug therapy)
• Syndrome