Phenytoin - boundaries of the treatment

Authors

  • Joaquina Antunes Neonatal Intensive Care Service, Maternidade Júlio Dinis, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Luísa Neiva Araújo Neonatal Intensive Care Service, Maternidade Júlio Dinis, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Inês Carrilho Neuropediatrics Service, Child and Adolescence Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Paula Soares Neonatal Intensive Care Service, Maternidade Júlio Dinis, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Elisa Proença Neonatal Intensive Care Service, Maternidade Júlio Dinis, Centro Hospitalar do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v23.i2.8607

Keywords:

Neonatal seizures, phenytoin, toxicity

Abstract

Introduction: Seizures are rather common in the neonatal period. It still remains unclear what is the best therapeutic approach, and there is no consensus protocol. Currently used antiepileptic drugs are sometimes ineffective and may cause significant adverse effects.

Case report: We present the case of a newborn with seizures during the fi rst day of life. After unsuccessful treatment with phenobarbital, phenytoin was added. He developed a picture of encephalopathy due to intoxication with this drug, despite the use of standard dosages. Given unchanged further investigations, individual’s susceptibility was considered to be the cause.

Conclusion: Because of potential side effects, more frequent and severe in newborns, phenytoin tends to be less used in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Benzodiazepines and lidocaine seems to be safer and more effective options.

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References

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Published

2016-02-24

How to Cite

1.
Antunes J, Araújo LN, Carrilho I, Soares P, Proença E. Phenytoin - boundaries of the treatment. REVNEC [Internet]. 2016Feb.24 [cited 2024Apr.20];23(2):95-9. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/8607

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Pediatric inter-hospitalar meeting

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