FOR the past six years a new hydantoinate, 3-methyl 5-phenylhydantoin. Nuvarone®, has been tried in selected cases of convulsive disorders. A preliminary report was made in 1952. This compound was being investigated simultaneously by others and two reports have appeared. The latter concerned 130 patients, 91 of whom were treated for one to 24 months. The results were reported as "good" in 44 and "fair" in 38 patients. The side effects were noted as "mild and transitory."
In the present series 72 patients under 16 years of age were treated for six months to six years. In nine patients Nuvarone® was the initial drug in treatment. In 38 patients Nuvarone® was gradually substituted for other compounds which had been inadequate. Nuvarone® was used in conjunction with other preparations such as phenobarbital or Gemonil® in 34 patients. It should not be used with other hydantoin compounds, Phenurone®, or the diones.
Complete blood counts, complete urinalyses (including urobilinogen tests), sedimentation rates, and electroencephalograms were done on all patients before and after Nuvarone® was started. The blood counts and urinalyses were repeated in two weeks and monthly thereafter with platelet counts in addition. Ieterus index and sedimentation rate were obtained every one to three months. No abnormal changes were noted. Two patients developed leucopenia but none developed thrombocytopenia. One patient had an allergic sensitivity to Nuvarone® and developed a generalized maculopapular erythema with leucopenia each of the three occasions the drug was instituted. Another developed leucopenia (to 3,200 w.b.c.) with no other blood changes and although the drug has been continued three years the leucocyte count has gradually increased to 7,500.