SUDDEN-DEATH IN 2 PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY AND THE SYNDROME OF INAPPROPRIATE ANTIDIURETIC-HORMONE SECRETION (SIADH)

We report two cases with complex partial and secondarily generalized s eizures, both on oxcarbazepine and vigabatrin, with additional lamotri gine in one case. Both died in a manner resembling SUDEP, i.e. suddenl y, unexpectedly, probably following a seizure with pulmonary oedema at autopsy. Both had SIADH. A number of drugs may cause SIADH, among the m carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. A search for SIADH in patients on c arbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, and in cases of sudden death in epilep sy, is recommended.