|
Case Report of a Suicide due to Non-discontinuation of Levetiracetam in an Epileptic Patient
|
Alireza Ghassemi Toussi *   |
| a. Department of Clinical Toxicology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. b. School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. , ghassemita@mums.ac.ir |
|
|
Abstract: (428 Views) |
Introduction: A young lady is treated with levetiracetam due to epilepsy. She commits suicide by using lithium. After being admitted to the poisoned ward, she undergoes dialysis. After partial recovery due to seizures, a CT scan is requested, which is reported normal. Neurological consultation is required to control seizures. The neurologist recommended continuation of levetiracetam, regardless of the patient's suicidal attempt. A few days after discharge, the patient committed suicide by taking a rice tablet and died. The patient's family complains to the doctors. In the investigations, the neurologist is condemned. Materials and Methods: With the aim of unification and not making arbitrary decisions, the Ministry of Health prepares the necessary guidelines based on the conditions of the day. In the latest prescribing guide for the drug Levetiracetam dated fall 2023, one of the contraindications for continuing the prescription is suicide. Results: The disease that was introduced, has been a known case of epilepsy. At the beginning of the treatment, she did not have any signs of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, the initial prescription of the drug was in accordance with the above guidelines. After the suicide attempt, neurology consultation is requested. However, according to the recommendation of the guideline, stopping the above drug and starting another drug to control epilepsy has been acceptable. However, due to a lack of precision in the patient's condition and lack of attention due to the patient's hospitalization (suicide), the consulting doctor has recommended continuing the treatment with levetiracetam. The action of the consultant doctor is in accordance with negligence. Conclusion: In similar cases, consulting doctors should be familiar with all the details of the case and consider the indications and contraindications of the prescription based on the latest version of guidelines.
|
|
| Keywords: Prescriptions, Epilepsy, Guideline, Malpractice |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 204 kb]
(121 Downloads)
|
|
Type of Study: Conference Paper Abstract |
Subject:
Neurology
|
|
|
|
|
|
