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Urinary excretion of diphenylhydantoin metabolites in newborn infants

A Rane

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |October 1, 1974
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) in newborns has a similar plasma half-life to adults. Rapid DPH clearance in infants is primarily due to efficient drug metabolism, not just excretion.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Drug Metabolism

    Background:

    • Epileptic mothers often require anticonvulsant therapy during pregnancy.
    • Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant.
    • Understanding DPH pharmacokinetics in newborns is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the plasma half-life of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) in newborn infants.
    • To investigate the urinary excretion of DPH and its metabolites in neonates.
    • To elucidate the mechanisms behind DPH plasma disappearance in the neonatal period.

    Main Methods:

    • Plasma samples were collected from newborn infants of epileptic mothers treated with DPH.
    • Urinary excretion of DPH and its metabolites was measured.
    • Pharmacokinetic parameters, including plasma half-life, were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • The plasma half-life of DPH in newborn infants was comparable to that observed in adults.
    • Urinary excretion studies revealed significant metabolism of DPH in neonates.
    • Rapid plasma disappearance of DPH was attributed to efficient metabolic pathways.

    Conclusions:

    • Neonatal DPH metabolism is robust and similar to adult metabolic rates.
    • The pharmacokinetic profile of DPH in newborns supports its continued use with appropriate monitoring.
    • Further research into specific metabolic enzymes in neonates may be warranted.

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