Does long-term phenytoin have a place in Dravet syndrome?

Anti-seizure medications that block sodium channels are generally considered contraindicated in Dravet syndrome. There is, however, considerable debate about the sodium-channel blocker phenytoin, which is often used for status epilepticus, a frequent feature of Dravet syndrome. We describe four patients with Dravet syndrome in whom long-term phenytoin therapy reduced seizure frequency and duration. In two patients, phenytoin produced prolonged periods without status epilepticus for the first time. Attempting to wean phenytoin in all patients after 1 to 20 years of use resulted in seizure exacerbation. Reintroducing phenytoin improved seizure control, suggesting phenytoin is beneficial in some patients with Dravet syndrome.

Automated summary

Although anti-seizure medications that block sodium channels are generally not recommended for Dravet syndrome, there is ongoing debate about the use of the sodium-channel blocker phenytoin, which is commonly used to treat status epilepticus in Dravet syndrome patients. This study reports four cases of Dravet syndrome patients who experienced a reduction in seizure frequency and duration with long-term phenytoin therapy. In two patients, phenytoin resulted in prolonged periods without status epilepticus for the first time. Attempts to discontinue phenytoin in all patients after 1 to 20 years of use led to worsened seizure control. Reintroducing phenytoin improved seizure control, suggesting its potential benefits in certain Dravet syndrome patients.