Prolonged pentobarbital-induced coma for the treatment of severe seizures related to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Abstract

In this report, we describe a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a female patient after deceased donor liver transplantation. She developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome on postoperative day 3 and did not improve despite adjustments in immunosuppressive therapy. The patient had symptoms of severe brain edema requiring maximal therapy, which included cooling, mannitol, 3% saline, and a pentobarbital infusion. Attempts to lighten the level of sedation failed because of recurring intractable seizure activity. Reductions in therapeutic support were ultimately successful after 62 days of continuous pentobarbital therapy. The patient awoke neurologically intact and was discharged to a rehabilitation center in good condition.