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Stuporous states or coma induced by the rapid administration of high doses of sodium valproate

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Abstract

7 cases of stuporous states or coma induced in epileptic subjects by the rapid administration of high doses of sodium valproate are described. Progressive impairment of consciousness began 2 to 7 days after the administration of sodium valproate and induced a slowing of background EEG activity until the delta activity became of high amplitude, generalized, continuous and areactive. The authors believe that the impairment of consciousness in their patients was related to the rapid administration of high doses and a direct intrinsic action of sodium valproate on the brain, as no increase in plasma levels of the drugs in association with valproate was observed.

Sommario

Sono descritti 7 casi di stupor o coma indotti, in soggetti epilettici, dalla somministrazione rapida di alte dosi di valproato di sodio. L'interessamento progressivo dello stato di coscienza inizia dopo 2–7 giorni dalla introduzione terapeutica del valproato di sodio;contemporaneamente sull'EEG l'attività di fondo rallenta fino alla comparsa di un 'attività delta di grande voltaggio, che appare continua, generalizzata ed areattiva. Gli autori ritengono che l'alterazione dello stato di coscienza sia da correlare ad una somministrazione rapida più che ad un 'azione diretta ed intrinseca del vaproato di sodio: in effetti questo non provoca alcun incremento dei livelli plasmatici dei farmaci prescritti in associazione.

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  1. Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Centre Collaborateur de l'OMS pour la recherche et l'enseignement en Sciences Neurologiques, Groupe Hospitalier et Universitaire de La Timone, Marseille

    Gastaut H. & Iemolo F.

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  1. Gastaut H.
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  2. Iemolo F.
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Gastaut, H., Iemolo, F. Stuporous states or coma induced by the rapid administration of high doses of sodium valproate. Ital J Neuro Sci 3, 193–196 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02043308

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