Sudden death in two patients with epilepsy and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (siadh)

We report two cases with complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures, both on oxcarbazepine and vigabatrin, with additional lamotrigine in one case. Both died in a manner resembling SUDEP, i.e. suddenly, unexpectedly, probably following a seizure with pulmonary oedema at autopsy. Both had SIADH. A number of drugs may cause SIADH, among them carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. A search for SIADH in patients on carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, and in cases of sudden death in epilepsy, is recommended.