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

Journal: The Annals Of Pharmacotherapy
Published:
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.

Methods: Single case report. Methods: 217-bed children's university hospital. Methods: 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 Bertz, D Howrie
Relevant Conditions

Status Epilepticus, Seizures