Diazepam by continuous intravenous infusion for status epilepticus in anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.
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.
Bertz
R J
RJ
Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
Howrie
D L
DL
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013577:Syndrome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010672:Phenytoin; D003975:Diazepam; D010634:Phenobarbital