Refractory status epilepticus

KETASER01 protocol: What went right and what went wrong

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the results of the KETASER01 trial and the reasons for its failure, particularly in view of future studies.

METHODS

KETASER01 is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, sequentially designed, non-profit Italian study that aimed to assess the efficacy of ketamine compared with conventional anesthetics in the treatment of refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) in children.

RESULTS

During the 5-year recruitment phase, a total of 76 RCSEs treated with third-line therapy were observed in five of the 10 participating Centers; only 10 individuals (five for each study arm; five females, mean age 6.5 ± 6.3 years) were enrolled in the KETASER01 study. Two of the five patients (40%) in the experimental arm were successfully treated with ketamine and two of the five (40%) children in the control arm, where successfully treated with thiopental. In the remaining six (60%) enrolled patients, RCSE was not controlled by the randomized anesthetic(s).

SIGNIFICANCE

The KETASER01 study was prematurely halted due to low eligibility of patients and no successful recruitment. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the objectives of the study. Here, we discuss the KETASER01 results and critically analyze the reasons for its failure in view of future trials.

The Golden Hour: Early Interventions for Medical Emergencies during Pregnancy

Maternal mortality has increased in the last decades in the United States as a result of increased prevalence of coexisting medical diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and both acquired and congenital heart diseases. Obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine physicians should have the basic medical knowledge to initiate appropriate diagnostic and early therapeutic interventions since they may be the only provider available at the time of presentation. The goal of this article is not to extensively discuss the management of complex medical diseases during pregnancy, rather we provide a concise review of key early medical interventions that will likely result in improved clinical outcomes. KEY POINTS: · Obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine physicians must be familiar with initial basic management of common medical emergencies.. · Management of these complex cases is ideally multidisciplinary.. · Residency/fellowship programs should include common disease management to improve maternal outcomes..

Frontotemporal EEG to guide sedation in COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objective

To study if limited frontotemporal electroencephalogram (EEG) can guide sedation changes in highly infectious novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agent.

Methods

98 days of continuous frontotemporal EEG from 11 consecutive patients was evaluated daily by an epileptologist to recommend reduction or maintenance of the sedative level. We evaluated the need to increase sedation in the 6 h following this recommendation. Post-hoc analysis of the quantitative EEG was correlated with the level of sedation using a machine learning algorithm.

Results

Eleven patients were studied for a total of ninety-eight sedation days. EEG was consistent with excessive sedation on 57 (58%) and adequate sedation on 41 days (42%). Recommendations were followed by the team on 59% (N = 58; 19 to reduce and 39 to keep the sedation level). In the 6 h following reduction in sedation, increases of sedation were needed in 7 (12%). Automatized classification of EEG sedation levels reached 80% (±17%) accuracy.

Conclusions

Visual inspection of a limited EEG helped sedation depth guidance. In a secondary analysis, our data supported that this determination may be automated using quantitative EEG analysis.

Significance

Our results support the use of frontotemporal EEG for guiding sedation in patients with COVID-19.

Factors affecting mortality of refractory status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the mortality of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in comparison with non-refractory status epilepticus (non-RSE).

MATERIAL-METHOD

Included in this retrospective study were 109 status epilepticus cases who were hospitalized in the neurological intensive care unit Katip Celebi University. Fifty-two were RSE and 57 were non-RSE. All clinical data were gathered from the hospital archives. Factors which may cause mortality were categorized for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

While elderly age, continuous clinical seizure activity, absence of former seizure, infection, prolonged stay of ICU, anesthesia, and cardiac comorbidity were significantly related to mortality in the RSE subgroup, potentially fatal accompanying diseases were significantly related to mortality in the non-RSE subgroup. No significant relationship was found between mortality and refractoriness. Multivariate analysis revealed that a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) at presentation of 8 or lower was the independent predictor of mortality both in the general SE population (P = .017) and in the RSE subgroup (P = .007). Intubation (P = .011) and hypotension (P = .011) were the other independent predictors of mortality in the general SE population. No independent predictor of mortality was detected in the non-RSE subgroup.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Intubation, hypotension, and a low GCS at presentation could be the main factors which could alert clinicians of an increased risk of mortality in SE patients. Although non-RSE and RSE had similar rates of mortality in the ICU, the mortality-related factors of SE vary in the RSE and the non-RSE subgroups.

Midazolam: an essential palliative care drug

Midazolam is a commonly used benzodiazepine in palliative care and is considered one of the four essential drugs needed for the promotion of quality care in dying patients. Acting on the benzodiazepine receptor, it promotes the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Gamma-aminobutyric acid action promotes sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Midazolam has a faster onset and shorter duration of action than other benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam lending itself to greater flexibility in dosing than other benzodiazepines. The kidneys excrete midazolam and its active metabolite. Metabolism occurs in the liver by the P450 system. This article examines the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical uses of midazolam in palliative care.

Ketamine for Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Ketamine is an emerging third-line medication for refractory status epilepticus, a medical and neurological emergency requiring prompt and appropriate treatment. Owing to its pharmacological properties, ketamine represents a practical alternative to conventional anaesthetics.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ketamine to treat refractory status epilepticus in paediatric and adult populations.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using the PubMed database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ClinicalTrials.gov website.

RESULTS

We found no results from randomised controlled trials. The literature included 27 case reports accounting for 30 individuals and 14 case series, six of which included children. Overall, 248 individuals (29 children) with a median age of 43.5 years (range 2 months to 67 years) were treated in 12 case series whose sample size ranged from 5 to 67 patients (median 11). Regardless of the status epilepticus type, ketamine was twice as effective if administered early, with an efficacy rate as high as 64% in refractory status epilepticus lasting 3 days and dropping to 32% when the mean refractory status epilepticus duration was 26.5 days. Ketamine doses were extremely heterogeneous and did not appear to be an independent prognostic factor. Endotracheal intubation, a negative prognostic factor for status epilepticus, was unnecessary in 12 individuals (10 children), seven of whom were treated with oral ketamine for non-convulsive status epilepticus.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ketamine has proven to be effective in treating refractory status epilepticus, available studies are hampered by methodological limitations that prevent any firm conclusion. Results from two ongoing studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT02431663 and NCT03115489) and further clinical trials will hopefully confirm the better efficacy and safety profile of ketamine compared with conventional anaesthetics as third-line therapy in refractory status epilepticus, both in paediatric and adult populations.

The etiology and prognosis of super-refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children

BACKGROUND

Both refractory convulsive status epilepticus (SE) and super-refractory SE are medical emergencies. However, there are limited data on super-refractory SE in children. Thus, this study focuses on characterizing the demographics, outcomes, and prognostic factors for super-refractory SE in children.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of super-refractory SE treated in a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. The functional outcome was evaluated by modified Rankin scale (mRS). Significant functional decline was defined as an mRS difference (before hospital admission and at discharge) of more than 2. The variates and the follow-up mRS values were then analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

We enrolled 134 patients with 191 episodes of convulsive SE and identified 30 patients with 38 episodes of convulsive super-refractory SE. The incidence of convulsive super-refractory SE in the group with SE was 19.9%, and the age ranged from 2.5 months to 17 years. In-hospital mortality was 13.3%, which was much lower than that of adult cohorts. Newly acquired epilepsy and cognitive deficit occurred in 100% and 88.5%, respectively. Newly acquired epilepsy, as a sequel of super-refractory SE, was observed in all 18 patients (100%) who survived and had no history of epilepsy. Significant functional decline (mRS difference of more than 2) at discharge occurred in 76.7%. Poor functional outcome was associated with acute symptomatic etiology (P < 0.001) and the number of anesthetic agents (P = 0.002). The functional outcome improved after 1 year of follow-up in our population.

CONCLUSIONS

Super-refractory SE is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children. However, the in-hospital mortality rate is much lower compared with adults. The functional outcome in children is associated with acute symptomatic etiology and the number of anesthetic agents and may improve after long-term follow-up.

Efficacy of ketamine in refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children: a protocol for a sequential design, multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit trial (KETASER01)

INTRODUCTION

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological emergency. SE lasting longer than 120 min and not responding to first-line and second-line antiepileptic drugs is defined as 'refractory' (RCSE) and requires intensive care unit treatment. There is currently neither evidence nor consensus to guide either the optimal choice of therapy or treatment goals for RCSE, which is generally treated with coma induction using conventional anaesthetics (high dose midazolam, thiopental and/or propofol). Increasing evidence indicates that ketamine (KE), a strong N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, may be effective in treating RCSE. We hypothesised that intravenous KE is more efficacious and safer than conventional anaesthetics in treating RCSE.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit, sequentially designed study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of KE compared with conventional anaesthetics in the treatment of RCSE in children. 10 Italian centres/hospitals are involved in enrolling 57 patients aged 1 month to 18 years with RCSE. Primary outcome is the resolution of SE up to 24 hours after withdrawal of therapy and is updated for each patient treated according to the sequential method.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study received ethical approval from the Tuscan Paediatric Ethics Committee (12/2015). The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02431663; Pre-results.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in adults - insights into the invisible

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a state of continuous or repetitive seizures without convulsions. Owing to the nonspecific symptoms and considerable morbidity and mortality associated with NCSE, clinical research has focused on early diagnosis, risk stratification and seizure termination. The subtle symptoms and the necessity for electroencephalographic confirmation of seizures result in under-diagnosis with deleterious consequences. The introduction of continuous EEG to clinical practice, and the characterization of electrographic criteria have delineated a number of NCSE types that are associated with different prognoses in several clinical settings. Epidemiological studies have uncovered risk factors for NCSE; knowledge of these factors, together with particular clinical characteristics and EEG observations, enables tailored treatment. Despite these advances, NCSE can be refractory to antiepileptic drugs, necessitating further escalation of treatment. The presumptive escalation to anaesthetics, however, has recently been questioned owing to an association with increased mortality. This Review compiles epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of NCSE, and considers current treatment options and prognosis.

Feasibility Study Evaluating Therapeutic Hypothermia for Refractory Status Epilepticus in Children

Pediatric refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a neurological emergency with significant morbidity and mortality, which lacks consensus regarding diagnosis and treatment(s). Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is an effective treatment for RSE in preclinical models and small series. In addition, TH is a standard care for adults after cardiac arrest and neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The purpose of this study was to identify the feasibility of a study of pediatric RSE within a research group (Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group [PNCRG]). Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions at seven centers were prospectively screened from October 2012 to July 2013 for RSE. Experts within the PNCRG estimated that clinicians would be unwilling to enroll a child, unless the child required at least two different antiepileptic medications and a continuous infusion of another antiepileptic medication with ongoing electrographic seizure activity for ≥2 hours after continuous infusion initiation. Data for children meeting the above inclusion criteria were collected, including the etiology of RSE, history of epilepsy, and maximum dose of continuous antiepileptic infusions. There were 8113 PICU admissions over a cumulative 52 months (October 2012-July 2013) at seven centers. Of these, 69 (0.85%) children met inclusion criteria. Twenty children were excluded due to acute diagnoses affected by TH, contraindications to TH, or lack of commitment to aggressive therapies. Sixteen patients had seizure cessation within 2 hours, resulting in 33 patients who had inadequate seizure control after 2 hours and a continuous antiepileptic infusion. Midazolam (21/33, 64%) and pentobarbital (5/33, 15%) were the most common infusions with a wide maximum dose range. More than one infusion was required for seizure control in four patients. There are substantial numbers of subjects at clinical sites within the PNCRG with RSE that would meet the proposed inclusion criteria for a study of TH. The true feasibility of such a study depends on the sample size necessary to achieve therapeutic effects on justifiable clinical outcomes.

Ketamine in refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children avoids endotracheal intubation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report on the efficacy and safety of intravenous ketamine (KE) in refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) in children and highlight its advantages with particular reference to avoiding endotracheal intubation.

METHODS

Since November 2009, we have used a protocol to treat RCSE including intravenous KE in all patients referred to the Neurology Unit of the Meyer Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

From November 2009 to February 2015, 13 children (7 females; age: 2 months-11 years and 5 months) received KE. Eight patients were treated once, two were treated twice, and the remaining three were treated 3 times during different RCSE episodes, for a total of 19 treatments. Most of the RCSE episodes were generalized (14/19). A malformation of cortical development was the most frequent etiology (4/13 children). Ketamine was administered from a minimum of 22 h to a maximum of 17 days, at doses ranging from 7 to 60 mcg/kg/min, obtaining a resolution of the RCSE in 14/19 episodes. Five patients received KE in lieu of conventional anesthetics, thus, avoiding endotracheal intubation. Ketamine was effective in 4 of them. Suppression-burst pattern was observed after the initial bolus of 3mg/kg in the majority of the responder RCSE episodes (10/14).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine is effective in treating RCSE and represents a practical alternative to conventional anesthetics for the treatment of RCSE. Its use avoids the pitfalls and dangers of endotracheal intubation, which is known to worsen RCSE prognosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Status Epilepticus".

Pediatric seizures

Seizures are a commonly encountered condition within the emergency department and, because of this, can engender complacency on the part of the physicians and staff. Unfortunately, there is significant associated morbidity and mortality with seizures, and they should never be regarded as routine. This point is particularly important with respect to seizures in pediatric patients. The aim of this review is to provide a current view of the various issues that make pediatric seizures unique and to help elucidate emergent evaluation and management strategies.

Treatment of status epilepticus with ketamine, are we there yet?

Status epilepticus (SE), a neurological emergency both in adults and in children, could lead to brain damage and even death if untreated. Generalized convulsive SE (GCSE) is the most common and severe form, an example of which is that induced by organophosphorus nerve agents. First- and second-line pharmacotherapies are relatively consensual, but if seizures are still not controlled, there is currently no definitive data to guide the optimal choice of therapy. The medical community seems largely reluctant to use ketamine, a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor. However, a review of the literature clearly shows that ketamine possesses, in preclinical studies, antiepileptic properties and provides neuroprotection. Clinical evidences are scarcer and more difficult to analyze, owing to a use in situations of polytherapy. In absence of existing or planned randomized clinical trials, the medical community should make up its mind from well-conducted preclinical studies performed on appropriate models. Although potentially active, ketamine has no real place for the treatment of isolated seizures, better accepted drugs being used. Its best usage should be during GCSE, but not waiting for SE to become totally refractory. Concerns about possible developmental neurotoxicity might limit its pediatric use for refractory SE.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of nonconvulsive status epilepticus: Opening Pandora's box

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a state of continuous seizure activity for at least 30 minutes, with cognitive or behavioral changes. It may be classified according to EEG evidence of focal or generalized epileptic activity, but may be further categorized by etiology and level of consciousness, both with prognostic weight. There have been several attempts to define the electrographic characteristics of NCSE. Clinical challenges arise from the frequent subtle clinical manifestations, the need for EEG confirmation of ongoing epileptic activity, and physicians' lack of awareness of the possibility of NCSE. This underdiagnosis may have deleterious consequences. This review encompasses epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic aspects of NCSE in adults, and delineates strategies for management.