Infection-Induced Elevated Plasma Perampanel in a Patient with Hemimegalencephaly
Yuya Kinoshita1,2, Hiroe Ueno1,3, Hirofumi Kurata1
1National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Koshi, Japan.
Abstract:
Perampanel is a noncompetitive, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid glutamate receptor antagonist. Herein, we report a case of increased perampanel plasma concentration and impaired consciousness triggered by an infection. The patient had refractory epilepsy associated with hemimegalencephaly. During adolescence, perampanel (maximum dose, 10 mg, oral), valproic acid, clobazam, and lacosamide were administered for seizure control. He was admitted to our hospital with high fever, impaired consciousness, and elevated perampanel plasma level (from 1,300 to 1,790 ng/mL), but with no increase in the concentration of other antiseizure medications. Further examinations (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, brain magnetic resonance images, and electroencephalogram) revealed no physical cause for impaired consciousness. After discontinuation of perampanel, his level of consciousness gradually improved. The pharmacokinetics of perampanel may be modified by both hemimegalencephaly and infection, resulting in an elevated plasma concentration of perampanel. This case underlines the importance of monitoring perampanel plasma concentration in patients with underlying brain disease who develop an infection.
Insights
An infection can increase perampanel levels in patients with brain conditions, leading to confusion. Monitoring perampanel (an epilepsy drug) levels during illness is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Perampanel is an antiepileptic drug targeting glutamate receptors.
- The patient had refractory epilepsy and hemimegalencephaly.
- Treatment included perampanel, valproic acid, clobazam, and lacosamide.
Observation:
- A patient with epilepsy and hemimegalencephaly developed impaired consciousness during an infection.
- Perampanel plasma concentration increased significantly (1,300 to 1,790 ng/mL).
- Other antiseizure medication levels remained stable.
Findings:
- Infection and hemimegalencephaly likely altered perampanel pharmacokinetics.
- Elevated perampanel levels correlated with impaired consciousness.
- Discontinuation of perampanel led to gradual improvement in consciousness.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of monitoring perampanel levels in patients with brain disease during infections.
- Suggests potential drug-drug-disease interactions affecting perampanel.
- Informs clinical practice for managing epilepsy in complex neurological conditions.
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