[Phenobarbital poisoning in a eutrophic term newborn infant. A case report].

An iatrogenic intoxication with 300 mg phenobarbital (Lepinal) in a newborn is reported. Description is given about clinical course, blood levels of phenobarbital (maximum 507 mumols/l) and the therapy. The most important therapeutic interventions like alkalinization of urine, haemoperfusion or blood exchange are directed towards increase of elimination of phenobarbital. The phenobarbital blood level decreased from 349 mumols/l before to 242 mumols/l after the blood exchange transfusion in our case. The transfer to a pediatric intensive care unit should be made as early as possible because of the risk of respiratory failure.