Clonazepam prophylaxis and busulfan-related myoclonic epilepsy in autografted acute leukemia patients

Haematologica. 1995 Nov-Dec;80(6):532-4.

Abstract

A prospective neurological and electroencephalographic (EEG) study was performed in sixteen leukemia patients receiving busulfan (BU) and cyclophosphamide before autologous bone marrow transplantation. All patients were given anticonvulsant prophylaxis with a combination of phenobarbital (PB) and clonazepam (CLZ). Neurological examination and EEG were performed prior to and soon after completion of BU treatment and were repeated two months later. No tonic-clonic and/or myoclonic convulsions were observed. In two patients, comparison of EEG recorded before and upon completion of BU administration revealed modification of features. EEG re-evaluated two months after BU showed normalization in one of the two patients. BU may trigger both generalized and myoclonic seizures together with EEG abnormalities; PB combined with CLZ may be useful prophylactic treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation*
  • Busulfan / adverse effects*
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use*
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Clonazepam
  • Busulfan