Problems with phenytoin administration in neurology/neurosurgery ITU patients receiving enteral feeding

Our objective was to investigate the relationship between phenytoin bioavailability, enteral feeding and serum albumin levels in patients admitted to neurology/neurosurgery ITU, via case studies of three patients. The research was performed at the Walton centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust, Liverpool, England, and our subjects consisted of three cases admitted to ITU (1 status epilepticus, 1 post-trauma and 1 post-subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)). Phenytoin levels were assessed in relation to the type of feeding and serum albumin levels. We found evidence of a complex relationship between phenytoin levels, enteral feeding and serum albumin in patients in the neuro ITU setting. We conclude that, in this setting the patient's phenytoin needs to be closely monitored and treated aggressively to maintain therapeutic levels. They should also be followed up during rehabilitation to avoid toxicity. (C) 2001 BEA Trading Ltd.