title: Pervasive seizures caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: treatment with intravenous paraldehyde.
abstract: Seizures are commonly associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Although the majority of cases are controlled with first- or second-line therapy, others develop pervasive seizures, requiring multiple anticonvulsants. To provide data on the incidence of seizures and response to anticonvulsant therapies, a cohort of 90 term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated at our institution between January 1, 1995, and July 1, 1999, was reviewed. Of the 60 infants who developed seizures, 59 received phenobarbital initially; in 29 cases, the seizures resolved. The remaining 30 infants received phenytoin as a second-line anticonvulsant, and seizures stopped in 10 cases. The 20 infants with ongoing pervasive seizures were treated with intravenous paraldehyde.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Newborn Services, National Women's Hospital and The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Battin
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D010242:Paraldehyde / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010672:Phenytoin; D003975:Diazepam; D010242:Paraldehyde; D010634:Phenobarbital