A Case of Water Intoxication and Grand Mal Seizure due to Oxytocin.
- Author:
Duk Joo JO
1
;
Jun Chul GIL
;
Jum Yong MUN
;
Sang Su LEE
;
Young Hoon JUNG
;
Yoo Sup OH
;
Jung Eun MOK
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,College of Medicine University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Kangnung, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Water intoxication;
Oxytocin;
Seizure;
Hyponatremia
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Anticonvulsants;
Coma;
Diagnosis;
Dihydroergotamine;
Female;
Humans;
Hypnotics and Sedatives;
Hyponatremia;
Oxytocin*;
Pregnancy;
Pregnancy Trimester, Second;
Saline Solution, Hypertonic;
Seizures*;
Status Epilepticus;
Vomiting;
Water Intoxication*
- From:Korean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2001;44(9):1696-1700
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
A 17-year-old primigravida, who had an elective abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy in a local clinic, was transferred to our hospital in state of status epilepticus. During the last 2-hr period immediately prior to admission the patient had an unknown number of generalized convulsions together with intermittent episodes of vomiting. Despite the administration of anticonvulsants and sedatives her condition was one of wild agitated response to stimuli, alternating with deep coma. After a tentative diagnosis of dilutional hyponatremia, she was given hypertonic saline solutions in addition to anticonvulsant therapy. Fourteen hours after her seizure, the patient was awake, alert, and cheerful but totally amnescent about the previous period. This case of severe water intoxication associated with an infusion of oxytocin reported here may serve as a reminder of the potential hazards of a widely used procedure, and of the precautions which must be observed.
