title: Phenobarbital for treatment of seizures in preterm infant: a new administration scheme.
abstract: The serum concentration of phenobarbital used as an anticonvulsant was monitored in 30 preterm babies. The therapeutic serum concentration was achieved with a loading dose of 20 mg/kg i.v., 10 min after administration. Thirty-six hours after loading, it was possible to maintain therapeutic serum levels with a daily intramuscular dose of 5 mg/kg, avoiding toxicity. A comparison of CSF and serum concentrations indicated that the drug passage to CSF is rapid and depends on a brain lesion. Serum monitoring of phenobarbital is important in preterm neonates under 30 weeks gestation and/or with severe pathological complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: De Carolis
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Muzii
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Romagnoli
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Zuppa
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zecca
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tortorolo
mesh_terms: D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010634:Phenobarbital