Reactions 458 - 3 Jul 1993

STheophylline

Seizures and amnesia: 2 case reportsStatus epilepticus developed in a 68-year-old man and a

16-year-old girl, after they had received chronic oraltheophylline therapy [dosage and duration of therapy notgiven]. In the elderly man, the theophylline was given foremphysema, while in the girl it was given for cystic fibrosis.

Even though seizure activity was quickly controlled, bothpatients remained confused, and neuropsychological testingrevealed that both patients had an amnesic syndrome.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of ahypothalamic lesion in one patient.

Author comment: ‘Theophylline associated seizures mayresult in severe brain injury and death.’ This possibility is notgenerally recognised.O’Riordan JI, et al. Amnesic syndrome following theophylline associated seizures:iatrogenic brain injury. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 56:731, Jun 1993 [Abstract] - Ireland 800245988

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Reactions 3 Jul 1993 No. 4580114-9954/10/0458-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved