All issues > Volume 36(12); 1993

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1993;36(12):1641-1646. Published online December 15, 1993.

Phenobarbital Dosage and Blood Level for Control of Neonatal Seizure

Hye Soon HS Kim¹, Keun K Lee¹, Young Sook YS Ko²

¹Department of Pediatrics, Ewha University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Pediatrics, Daerim St. Mary`s Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Twenty-five neonates was observe for the relationship between phenobrbital loading dose, plasma concentrations and control of seizures. Nineteen neonates (76%) had seizures controlled by phenobarbital alone, Effective plasma concentration were 10.0~31.3㎍/ml. Although 14 neonates had seizures controlled by phenobarbital concentration below 20㎍/ml, neonate required level above 30㎍/ml. We foound that continued benefit was obtained until phenobarbital plasma concentrations reached 40㎍/ml and there was no abverse effects on cardiorespiratory function. We recommend that plasma phenobarbital concentrations should equal or surpass 40㎍/ml before additional anticonvulsants are used for neonates with seizure.

Keywords :Neonatal convulsion, Phenobarbital