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Intravenous Clonazepam in Eclampsia
Author(s) -
Harding David L.,
Leong Chee M.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1988.tb01616.x
Subject(s) - clonazepam , benzodiazepine , eclampsia , medicine , sedation , preeclampsia , anesthesia , myoclonic jerk , pregnancy , myoclonus , receptor , biology , genetics
EDITORIAL COMMENT: This is an unusual case of eclampsia in that it persisted in spite of sedation with conventional drug therapy and because myoclonic jerks occurred when her blood pressure rose above 130/90. This case has been accepted for publication to draw readers' attention to the possible value of clonazepam in patients with eclampsia. In many centres, especially in the United States, magnesium sulphate given by the intravenous route, is the main drug used in the treatment of severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. There are recent reports that Dilantin (sodium phenytoin) is also a useful drug, but only when used in much higher doses than has been recommended in the past. It is difficult to assess the value of a single drug in a patient who requires multiple drug therapy but the authors make a case for consideration of clonazepam in a patient whose convulsions persist in spite of the usual therapy. Summary: A case of postpartum eclampsia is reported, controlled by intravenous clonazepam, a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant. Clonazepam was effective in controlling the myoclonic jerks, which were a feature in this patient, without producing excessive sedation. The literature reveals several reports on the use of clonazepam in severe preeclampsia, but its use in Australia has not been widely employed.