title: Electroencephalogram abnormality and high-dose busulfan in conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iguchi
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arioka
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shikano
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D002066:Busulfan