Fosphenytoin in infants of extremely low birth weight

Fosphenytoin, a phosphorylated prodrug of phenytoin, is useful for acute se izures, is given by parenteral administration, and has few cardiac and loca l irritation adverse effects. There is limited experience in the administra tion of this new agent to newborns, and concern has been raised regarding t he conversion of the prodrug to phenytoin, In two low-birth-weight infants, it was observed that fosphenytoin was converted adequately with varying ef fects on seizure control. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights rese rved.