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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
05:00
Short-Duration Hypothermia Induction in Rats using Models for Studies examining Clinical Relevance and Mechanisms
Published on: March 3, 2021
Is phenytoin administration safe in a hypothermic child?
Hemant Bhagat1, Parmod K Bithal, Rajendra S Chouhan
1Department of Neuroanaesthesiology, Neurosciences Centre, Room No. 709-A, C.N. Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India. drhemantbhagat@rediffmail.com
Summary
Hypothermia and phenytoin can cause dangerous bradycardia in neonates. This case highlights the additive cardiac depressant effects, urging caution when administering phenytoin to hypothermic children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Neonatal Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- A neonate with Chiari malformation and myelomeningocele underwent surgical repair.
- The patient experienced moderate hypothermia during anesthesia and surgery.
Observation:
- Intravenous phenytoin was administered for seizure prophylaxis post-shunt insertion and myelomeningocele repair.
- The neonate developed severe, refractory bradycardia immediately following phenytoin administration.
Findings:
- Phenytoin exhibits cardiac depressant effects that can be additive with hypothermia.
- This combination may precipitate adverse cardiac events in pediatric patients.
Implications:
- Clinicians must recognize the potential for additive cardiac depression when using phenytoin in hypothermic children.
- Awareness of this drug interaction is crucial for patient safety in neonatal care.
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