KETAMINE AND STRYCHNINE TREATMENT OF AN INFANT WITH NONKETOTIC HYPERGLYCINEMIA

Non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH) is a severe seizure disorder associ ated with high glycine levels. Glycine is a major inhibitory neurotran smitter in the CNS, but has also modulating effects at one of the glut amate receptors, the N-methyl-D-aspartate-(NMDA) receptor. Based on th is knowledge we treated a female newborn suffering from severe NKH wit h the NMDA receptor blocker ketamine in association with strychnine an d magnesium supplementation. This treatment led to cessation of seizur es, reappearance of swallowing and sucking and improved the neurologic al status. Some pharmacokinetic data of strychnine and ketamine in the infant are given. Conclusion Ketamine in combination with strychnine may be beneficial in non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia.