Wednesday, March 29, 2017

What’s new in refractory status epilepticus?

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is defined by persistent seizures, resistant to first-line (benzodiazepines) and second-line (“classic” anticonvulsant therapy, suchas valproate, phenytoin/fosphenytoin or levetiracetam), usually requiring general anesthesia and continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring . This is of particular importance since up to 43  % of patients with status epileptics will progress to RSE. Rossetti and Bleck recently proposed an update on the management of status epilepticus .

This article reviews the recent literature on convulsive RSE in adults, aiming to summarize advantages/disadvantages and comparative studies of “standard” intravenous anesthetics (propofol, midazolam, barbiturates) and describe the emerging use of the alternative anesthetic agent, ketamine. An algorithm is p[roposed for the management of RSE in the ICU.

Note the option and role of ketamine.

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