Management of pediatric status epilepticus.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-1-2014

Abstract

Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency consisting of persistent or recurring seizures without a return to baseline mental status. SE can be divided into subtypes based on seizure types and underlying etiologies. Management should be implemented rapidly and based on pre-determined care pathways. The aim is to terminate seizures while simultaneously identifying and managing precipitant conditions. Seizure management involves "emergent" treatment with benzodiazepines (lorazepam intravenously, midazolam intramuscularly, or diazepam rectally) followed by "urgent" therapy (phenytoin/fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, levetiracetam or valproate sodium). If seizures persist, "refractory" treatments include infusions of midazolam or pentobarbital. Prognosis is dependent on the underlying etiology and seizure persistence. This article reviews the current management strategies for pediatric convulsive SE.

Volume

16

Issue

7

First Page

301

Last Page

301

ISSN

1092-8480

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

24909106

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Article

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