NEUROLOGIC HAZARDS OF DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN IN CHILDHOOD

Thirteen cases of intoxication due to diphenylhydantoin were recorded in a large general hospital during a period of 5 years. Nine cases of intoxication developed as a result of therapy. In some patients the dosage of the drug was not excessive; similar cases have been described in the literature, generally among adults, in some of whom unusual metabolism of the drug was demonstrated. Early symptoms were uncommon in young children. The diagnosis of intoxication due to the drug was often not suspected. Although irreversible side effects have occasionally been described, all of our patients recovered. © 1968 The C. V. Mosby Company.