Electroencephalogram abnormality and high-dose busulfan in conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation.
High-dose busulfan (BU) is widely used in combined chemotherapy before allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation. Convulsions are reported as a side-effect of high-dose BU. We recorded electroencephalograms (EEGs) before and on the third day of BU administration in 22 patients. Abnormal EEGs were observed on the third day in 13 cases (59%). These patients were older (P < 0.05) and had had larger doses of BU (P < 0.025) than the nine patients with normal EEGs. Convulsions occurred in two of the 22 patients, one of whom was receiving prophylaxis with phenytoin. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural mediator of defense against epileptic activity, concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid measured before and after administration of BU showed no definite changes.
Kobayashi
R
R
Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Watanabe
N
N
Iguchi
A
A
Cho
Y
Y
Yoshida
M
M
Arioka
H
H
Naito
H
H
Shikano
T
T
Ishikawa
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D002066:Busulfan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019172:Transplantation Conditioning / Q000379:methods*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D002066:Busulfan