Inappropriate emergency management of status epilepticus in children contributes to need for intensive care

Morbidity Associated with Deviation from Pediatric Status Epilepticus Guidelines

Treatment guidelines for the management of pediatric status epilepticus (PSE) are often institution-specific. We aim to characterize deviation from our hospital-based PSE treatment guidelines, the total dosage of benzodiazepines administered, and the need for intubation. The study population included all patients with an ICD -10 code for PSE who required admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from April 2019 to April 2022. There were 66 PICU admissions. All patients with concern for PSE and altered mental status are admitted to the PICU. The cohort was divided between those treated according to the PSE protocol (benzodiazepine dose (0.05 mg/kg- 0.2 mg/kg) versus those who had low dose (≤0.05 mg/kg) and high-dose benzodiazepine (> 0.2 mg/kg) totals. The dosage was calculated as the total dose of benzodiazepines received pre-hospital and in the ED before intubation or transport. Forty-one (62 %) of patients received high-dose benzodiazepines (median 0.34 mg/kg [IQR 0.29-0.56], 19 (29 %) received recommended-dose benzodiazepines (median 0.13 mg/kg [IQR 0.09,0.15] and 6 (9 %) received low-dose (median 0.05 mg/kg [IQR 0.03,0.05]. The high-dose group was 15.9 (95 % CI = 3.7, 99.9) times more likely to be intubated controlling for the location of care (tertiary versus community hospital), and the age of the patient. The recommended-dose and low-dose groups required intubation with much less frequency.

Seizure control via pH manipulation: a phase II double-blind randomised controlled trial of inhaled carbogen as adjunctive treatment of paediatric convulsive status epilepticus (Carbogen for Status Epilepticus in Children Trial (CRESCENT))

BACKGROUND

Paediatric convulsive status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency presenting to emergency departments. Risks of resultant neurological morbidity and mortality increase with seizure duration. If the seizure fails to stop within defined time-windows, standard care follows an algorithm of stepwise escalation to more intensive treatments, ultimately resorting to induction of general anaesthesia and ventilation. Additionally, ventilatory support may also be required to treat respiratory depression, a common unwanted effect of treatment. There is strong pre-clinical evidence that pH (acid-base balance) is an important determinant of seizure commencement and cessation, with seizures tending to start under alkaline conditions and terminate under acidic conditions. These mechanisms may be particularly important in febrile status epilepticus: prolonged fever-related seizures which predominantly affect very young children. This trial will assess whether imposition of mild respiratory acidosis by manipulation of inhaled medical gas improves response rates to first-line medical treatment.

METHODS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pH manipulation as an adjunct to standard medical treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in children. The control arm receives standard medical management whilst inhaling 100% oxygen; the active arm receives standard medical management whilst inhaling a commercially available mixture of 95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide known as 'carbogen'. Due to the urgent need to treat the seizure, deferred consent is used. The primary outcome is success of first-line treatment in seizure cessation. Planned subgroup analyses will be undertaken for febrile and non-febrile seizures. Secondary outcomes include rates of induction of general anaesthesia, admission to intensive care, adverse events, and 30-day mortality.

DISCUSSION

If safe and effective 95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide may be an important adjunct in the management of convulsive status epilepticus with potential for pre-hospital use by paramedics, families, and school staff.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT: 2021-005367-49. CTA: 17136/0300/001.

ISRCTN

52731862. Registered on July 2022.

Excessive Use of Benzodiazepines Is a Risk Factor for Endotracheal Intubation in Children Who Present to Emergency With Prehospital Status Epilepticus

OBJECTIVES

There is lack of evidence-based information on the use and timing of endotracheal intubation (ETI) in children with prehospital status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate ETI use, timing, risk factors, and outcomes in children presenting to a single-center children's emergency (CE) with prehospital SE, over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 118 events involving children presenting to CE with ongoing prehospital SE were included, and 39% (46/118) of the events required ETI. The most common indication for ETI was respiratory depression. The median time to intubation after arrival at CE was 20.0 minutes (1-155 minutes). Risk factors associated with ETI use include the administration of more than 2 benzodiazepines (26.1% vs 4.2%, P < 0.001) and the use of second- or third-line antiepileptic therapy ( P < 0.001). The use of more than 2 doses of benzodiazepines was found in 12.7% (15/118) of the patients. In patients who received excessive benzodiazepines, 87% (13/15) of them required intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive use of benzodiazepine was found to be a main risk factor for ETI in patients with prehospital SE. Avoidance of the excessive use of benzodiazepines and adhering to clinical management guidelines may reduce the risk for ETI in the CE. The best approach to airway management in children with prehospital SE is lacking and urgently needed.

PICU Admission of Children for Status Epilepticus: Is There a Different Approach Between Referral and Second-Level Hospitals in an Italian Region?

Appropriate status epilepticus (SE) management is key to minimize admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We retrospectively describe 115 children admitted to the PICU of the tertiary-care referral hospital of Padova for seizures, SE, and SE-related complications (59% from second-level hospitals, 41% from the referral hospital) and compare SE management among hospitals. Compared with the referral center, in second-level hospitals, anesthetics were more often administered as first/second drug (P < .001), and intubation was more frequent (P < .001). Intubation was significantly associated with SE onset at home (P = .045) and benzodiazepine-associated respiratory depression (P = .044). There was no association between intubation and SE duration, etiology, PICU length of stay, and morbidity at discharge. In conclusion, adherence to treatment protocols on SE management after the first-line drug differs between referral center and second-level hospitals. Lack of association with SE characteristics and patient's outcome suggests PICU admission could be due to inappropriate invasive management.

Compliance with status epilepticus management protocol and effect on clinical outcomes in children with status epilepticus

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for the management of status epilepticus (SE) aid in rationalising the treatment for a better clinical outcome; however, published literature regarding the use of antiepileptics and compliance is limited, even after the availability of a consensus guideline.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of antiepileptics in children with SE and to analyse the effect of compliance with the Status Epilepticus Management Protocol on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

An open-label non-randomised prospective observational study was conducted in children with SE aged 1 month to 14 years for 8 months in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The recommended antiepileptics, sequence of drug administration and time frames of management offered to paediatric patients were assessed for compliance with the Status Epilepticus Management Protocol adopted in our hospital. Comparison of clinical outcomes (hospital stay, intubation, refractory and super-refractory SE, duration of SE cessation, functional motor deficits and cognitive decline) between compliant and non-compliant patients was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were included in the study, of which 28 (70%) were boys. All the patients received midazolam nasal spray in the triage area. Only 18% of the patients received rescue benzodiazepine (BZD) antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in pre-hospital settings. Median time (p25-p75) of administration of first-line AED (BZD) and second-line AED (non-BZD) was 11 (8-15) min and 30 (22-35) min, respectively. Administration of continuous infusion (IV midazolam) was delayed at 57 (45-69) min. Compliance with the Status Epilepticus Management Protocol was seen in 24 (60%) patients. Non-compliance with the treatment protocol in relation to the time frame significantly prolonged the length of hospital stay (9 vs 4 days, p=0.0008) and SE duration from first assessment (115 vs 50 min; p=0.005). At discharge, the proportion of patients returning to their functional baseline was significantly different in the compliant and non-compliant patient groups (79% vs 44%). There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

Rescue therapy in the pre-hospital setting needs attention. There was full compliance with the Status Epilepticus Management Protocol for choice of AED and sequence of AED therapy. Non-compliance in treatment management within time frames significantly affected the length of hospital stay, duration of SE and clinical outcome.

Optimal Management of Status Epilepticus in Children in the Emergency Setting: A Review of Recent Advances

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common neurological emergency in children and the second most common neurological emergency in adults. Mortality is low, but morbidity, including neuro-disability, learning difficulties, and a de-novo epilepsy, may be as high as 22%. The longer the duration of CSE, the more difficult it is to terminate, and the greater the risk of morbidity. Convulsive status epilepticus is usually managed using specific national or local algorithms. The first-line treatment is administered when a tonic-clonic or focal motor clonic seizure has lasted five minutes (impending or premonitory CSE). Second-line treatment is administered when the CSE has persisted after two doses of a first-line treatment (established CSE). Randomised clinical trial (RCT) evidence supports the use of benzodiazepines as a first-line treatment of which the most common are buccal or intra-nasal midazolam, rectal diazepam and intravenous lorazepam. Alternative drugs, for which there are considerably less RCT data, are intra-muscular midazolam and intravenous clonazepam. Up until 2019, phenobarbital and phenytoin (or fosphenytoin) were the preferred second-line treatments but with no good supporting RCT evidence. Robust RCT data are now available which has provided important information on second-line treatments, specifically phenytoin (or fosphenytoin), levetiracetam and sodium valproate. Lacosamide is an alternative second-line treatment but with no supporting RCT evidence. Current evidence indicates that first, buccal or intranasal midazolam or intravenous lorazepam are the most effective and the most patient and carer-friendly first-line anti-seizure medications to treat impending or premonitory CSE and second, that there is no difference in efficacy between levetiracetam, phenytoin (or fosphenytoin) or sodium valproate for the treatment of established CSE. Pragmatically, levetiracetam or sodium valproate are preferred to phenytoin (or fosphenytoin) because of their ease of administration and lack of serious adverse side-effects, including potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium valproate must be used with caution in children aged three and under because of the rare risk of hepatotoxicity and particularly if there is an underlying mitochondrial disorder.

Identifying Barriers to Care in the Pediatric Acute Seizure Care Pathway

Objective:

We aimed to describe the acute seizure care pathway for pediatric patients and identify barriers encountered by those involved in seizure care management. We also proposed interventions to bridge these care gaps within this pathway.

Methods:

We constructed a process map that illustrates the acute seizure care pathway for pediatric patients at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). The map was designed from knowledge gathered from unstructured interviews with experts at BCH, direct observation of patient care management at BCH through a quality improvement implemented seizure diary and from findings through three studies conducted at BCH, including a prospective observational study by the pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group, a multi-site international consortium. We also reviewed the literature highlighting gaps and strategies in seizure care management.

Results:

Within the process map, we identified twenty-nine care gaps encountered by caregivers, care teams, residential and educational institutions, and proposed interventions to address these challenges. The process map outlines clinical care of a patient through the following settings: 1) pre-hospitalization setting, defined as residential and educational settings before hospital admission, 2) BCH emergency department and inpatient settings, 3) post-hospitalization setting, defined as residential and educational settings following hospital discharge or clinic visit and 4) follow-up BCH outpatient settings, including neurology, epilepsy, and primary care provider clinics. The acute seizure care pathway for a pediatric patient who presents with seizures exhibits at least twenty-nine challenges in acute seizure care management.

Significance:

Identification of care barriers in the acute seizure care pathway provides a necessary first step for implementing interventions and strategies in acute seizure care management that could potentially impact patient outcomes.

The need for improved management of status epilepticus in children in Australia: Time from seizure onset to treatment is consistently delayed

AIM

To determine if the management of paediatric status epilepticus (SE) follows accepted clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive series of patients with SE who attended the emergency departments from two NSW sites over a 12-month period. SE was defined as a convulsive seizure, 5 min or more in duration. Time to presentation to the ED, time to first- and second-line treatment, number of benzodiazepine (BZD) doses given prior to intubation and adherence to guidelines were evaluated. The outcomes included seizure duration, need for respiratory support, admission to intensive care, morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The time from onset of seizure to ED presentation was a median (p25-p75) time of 22 (15-40) min. Forty-eight of 59 presentations received pre-hospital midazolam. The median (p25-p75) time to first-line treatment was 15 (8-25) min and to second-line treatment was 43.5 (35-59) min. There was no significant difference in the results in the two hospitals. The total number of BZD doses ranged from 1 to 7 (median 3). There was non-adherence to the clinical practice guidelines in 55 (93.2%) of 59 presentations.

CONCLUSIONS

We found excessive benzodiazepine use and delay in both definitive treatment of status epilepticus and in escalation from first- to second-line anticonvulsant treatment. This raises the need for rapid escalation of treatment. We propose a 'status epilepticus code' for emergency departments.

Prehospital benzodiazepine use and need for respiratory support in paediatric seizures

BACKGROUND

Paramedics are frequently called to attend seizures in children. High-quality evidence on second-line treatment of benzodiazepine (BZD)-refractory convulsions with parenteral long-acting antiepileptic drugs in children has become available from the ED. In order to address the potential need for an alternative agent, we set out to determine the association of BZD use prehospital and the need for respiratory support.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of state-wide ambulance service data (Ambulance Victoria in Victoria, Australia, population: 6.5 million). Children aged 0-17 years assessed for seizures by paramedics were analysed for demographics, process factors, treatment and airway management. We calculated adjusted ORs (AOR) of the requirement for respiratory support in relation to the number of BZD doses administered.

RESULTS

Paramedics attended 5112 children with suspected seizures over 1 year (1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019). Overall, need for respiratory support was low (n=166; 3.2%). Before ambulance arrival, 509 (10.0%) had already received a BZD and 420 (8.2%) were treated with midazolam by paramedics. Of the 846 (16.5%) patients treated with BZD, 597 (70.6%) received 1 BZD dose, 156 (18.4%) 2 doses and 93 (11.0%) >2 doses of BZD. Patients who were administered 1, 2 and >2 doses of BZD received respiratory support in 8.9%, 32.1% (AOR 4.6 vs 1 dose, 95% CI 2.9 to 7.4) and 49.5% (AOR 10.3 vs 1 dose, 95% CI 6.0 to 17.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing administration of BZD doses was associated with higher use of respiratory support. Alternative prehospital antiepileptic drugs to minimise respiratory depression should be investigated in future research.

First afebrile seizures: Clinical and radiological view with emergent testing

BACKGROUND

The first afebrile seizures in children are an important and common reason for emergency department admissions. We aim to examine the presentation, laboratory/neurodiagnostic investigation, and emergency management of children with first afebrile seizures.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 333 patients aged 1 month to 18 years admitted with a first afebrile seizure to the pediatric emergency department of Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital between January 2017 and January 2020. Age, gender, seizure duration and type, treatments for seizures, laboratory, neurophysiological, and radiological investigations, ward or intensive care unit hospitalizations, and antiepileptic drugs on discharge were recorded.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 81.6 ± 62.9 months; 187 (56.2%) were male and 146 (43.8%) were female. Two hundred and sixty-one (78.4%) patients had only one seizure. In 45 (13.5%) of the patients, the seizure recurred in the emergency department. Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia were detected in 13 (3.9%) patients. Patients with clinically significant cranial computed tomography results were at an increased risk for seizures lasting longer than 5 min. Patients with focal seizures had more recurrences, were given more antiepileptic drugs during the emergency, had better known etiology, more intensive care unit hospitalization, and greater post-discharge antiepileptic drug prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

Biochemical abnormalities remain in the background in the etiology of afebrile seizures. Patients with abnormal neuroimaging on cranial tomography tended to have longer seizures. Patients with focal seizures followed a more complicated course as they had more recurrences and more hospitalization in the intensive care unit.

The Efficacy and Use of a Pocket Card Algorithm in Status Epilepticus Treatment

Objective

To determine whether a pocket card treatment algorithm improves the early treatment of status epilepticus and to assess its utilization and retention in clinical practice.

Methods

Multidisciplinary care teams participated in video-recorded status epilepticus simulation sessions from 2015 to 2019. In this longitudinal cohort study, we examined the sessions recorded before and after introducing an internally developed, guideline-derived pocket card to determine differences in the adequacy or timeliness of rescue benzodiazepine. Simulation participants were queried 9 months later for submission of a differentiating identification number on each card to assess ongoing availability and utilization.

Results

Forty-four teams were included (22 before and 22 after the introduction of the pocket card). The time to rescue therapy was shorter for teams with the pocket card available (84 seconds [64-132]) compared with teams before introduction (144 seconds [100-162]) (U = 94; median difference = -46.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -75.9 to -21.9). The adequate dosing did not differ with card availability (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI: 0.43-5.1). At the 9-month follow-up, 32 participants (65%) completed the survey, with 26 (81%) self-reporting having the pocket card available and 11 (34%) confirming ready access with the identification number. All identification numbers submitted corresponded to the hard copy laminated pocket card, and none to the electronic version.

Conclusions

A pocket card is a feasible, effective, and worthwhile educational tool to improve the implementation of updated guidelines for the treatment of status epilepticus.

Utility of the END-IT Score to Predict the outcome of Childhood Status Epilepticus: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction:

Scoring systems to predict outcomes in pediatric status epilepticus (SE) are limited. We sought to assess usefulness of the END-IT score in pediatric SE.

Methodology:

We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital in New Delhi, India. Children aged 1 month–18 years who presented with seizure for ≥5 min/actively convulsing to emergency were enrolled. END-IT score was calculated and correlated with outcome at discharge using Pediatric Overall Performance Category (POPC) scale, in-hospital mortality, and progression to refractory and super-refractory SE (SRSE).

Results:

We enrolled 140 children (mean age 5.8 years; 67.1% males). Seven children died and 15 had unfavorable outcomes. The predictive accuracy of END-IT at a cutoff of > 2: for unfavorable outcome (POPC score ≥3) was: sensitivity 0.73 (95% CI: 0.45–0.92), specificity 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.98), PPV 0.61 (95% CI: 0.36–0.83), NPV 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92–0.99), positive likelihood ratio (13.09), F1 score (0.666); for death: sensitivity 0.86 (95% CI: 0.42–0.99), specificity 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.95), PPV 0.33 (95% CI: 0.13–0.59), NPV 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00), F1 score (0.48); for RSE: sensitivity 0.80 (95%CI: 0.28–0.99), specificity 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83–0.94), PPV 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06–0.48) NPV 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00), F1 score (0.35); for SRSE: sensitivity 0.67 (95% CI: 0.22–0.96) specificity 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66–0.82), PPV 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06–0.48) NPV 0.98 (95% CI: 0.94–0.99), F1 score (0.33).

Conclusion:

We demonstrate utility of the END-IT score to predict short-term outcomes as well as progression to refractory and SRSE for the first time among children with SE.

The Effectiveness of Intranasal Midazolam for the Treatment of Prehospital Pediatric Seizures: A Non-inferiority Study

Background: Intranasal (IN) midazolam allows for rapid, painless treatment of pediatric seizures in the prehospital setting and may be a preferred administration route if determined to be non-inferior to intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of IN midazolam for terminating prehospital pediatric seizures compared to midazolam administered by alternate routes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, non-inferiority analysis using data from a regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) database. We included pediatric patients ≤ 14 years treated with midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) by EMS for non-traumatic seizures. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring redosing of midazolam after initial treatment with IN midazolam compared to those that received IV or IM midazolam. We established a priori a risk difference of 6.5% as the non-inferiority margin. Results: We evaluated outcomes from 2,034 patients (median age 6 years [interquartile range 3 - 10 years], 55% male). Initial administration routes were 461 (23%) IN, 547 (27%) IM, 1024 (50%) IV, and 2 (0.1%) intraosseous (IO). Midazolam redosing occurred in 116 patients (25%) who received IN midazolam versus 222 patients (14%) treated initially with midazolam via alternate routes (risk difference 11% [95%CI 7 - 15%]). The age-adjusted odds ratio for redosing midazolam after intranasal administration compared to alternate route administration was 2.0 (95% CI 1.6 - 2.6). Conclusion: Prehospital treatment of pediatric seizure with intranasal midazolam was associated with increased frequency of redosing compared to midazolam administered by other routes, suggesting that 0.1 mg/kg is a subtherapeutic dose for intranasal midazolam administration.

Patterns of benzodiazepine underdosing in the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to describe patterns of benzodiazepine use as first-line treatment of status epilepticus (SE) and test the association of benzodiazepine doses with response to second-line agents in patients enrolled in the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (ESETT).

METHODS

Patients refractory to an adequate dose of benzodiazepines for the treatment of SE were enrolled in ESETT. Choice of benzodiazepine, doses given prior to administration of second-line agent, route of administration, setting, and patient weight were characterized. These were compared with guideline-recommended dosing. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of the first dose of benzodiazepine and the cumulative benzodiazepine dose with the response to second-line agent.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixty patients were administered 1170 doses of benzodiazepines (669 lorazepam, 398 midazolam, 103 diazepam). Lorazepam was most frequently administered intravenously in the emergency department, midazolam intramuscularly or intravenously by the emergency medical services personnel, and diazepam rectally prior to ambulance arrival. The first dose of the first benzodiazepine (N = 460) was lower than guideline recommendations in 76% of midazolam administrations and 81% of lorazepam administrations. Among all administrations, >85% of midazolam and >76% of lorazepam administrations were lower than recommended. Higher first or cumulative benzodiazepine doses were not associated with better outcomes or clinical seizure cessation in response to second-line medications in these benzodiazepine-refractory seizures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Benzodiazepines as first-line treatment of SE, particularly midazolam and lorazepam, are frequently underdosed throughout the United States. This broad and generalizable cohort confirms prior single site reports that underdosing is both pervasive and difficult to remediate. (ESETT ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01960075.).

The Need to Intervene Before Time Point 2: Evidence From Clinical and Animal Data That Status Epilepticus Damages the Brain

Status epilepticus, a condition characterized by abnormally prolonged seizures, has the potential to cause irreversible, structural or functional, injury to the brain. Unfavorable consequences of these seizures include mortality, the risk of developing epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. We highlight key findings of clinical and laboratory studies that have provided insights into aspects of cell death, and anatomical and functional alterations triggered by status epilepticus that support the need to intervene before time point 2, the time after which the risk of these long-term consequences increases.

Levetiracetam as an alternative to phenytoin for second-line emergency treatment of children with convulsive status epilepticus: the EcLiPSE RCT

BACKGROUND

Convulsive status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency in children. Its management is important to avoid or minimise neurological morbidity and death. The current first-choice second-line drug is phenytoin (Epanutin, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA), for which there is no robust scientific evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether phenytoin or levetiracetam (Keppra, UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium) is the more clinically effective intravenous second-line treatment of paediatric convulsive status epilepticus and to help better inform its management.

DESIGN

A multicentre parallel-group randomised open-label superiority trial with a nested mixed-method study to assess recruitment and research without prior consent.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from 30 paediatric emergency departments in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants aged 6 months to 17 years 11 months, who were presenting with convulsive status epilepticus and were failing to respond to first-line treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous levetiracetam (40 mg/kg) or intravenous phenytoin (20 mg/kg).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome - time from randomisation to cessation of all visible signs of convulsive status epilepticus. Secondary outcomes - further anticonvulsants to manage the convulsive status epilepticus after the initial agent, the need for rapid sequence induction owing to ongoing convulsive status epilepticus, admission to critical care and serious adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Between 17 July 2015 and 7 April 2018, 286 participants were randomised, treated and consented. A total of 152 participants were allocated to receive levetiracetam and 134 participants to receive phenytoin. Convulsive status epilepticus was terminated in 106 (70%) participants who were allocated to levetiracetam and 86 (64%) participants who were allocated to phenytoin. Median time from randomisation to convulsive status epilepticus cessation was 35 (interquartile range 20-not assessable) minutes in the levetiracetam group and 45 (interquartile range 24-not assessable) minutes in the phenytoin group (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.60; p = 0.2). Results were robust to prespecified sensitivity analyses, including time from treatment commencement to convulsive status epilepticus termination and competing risks. One phenytoin-treated participant experienced serious adverse reactions.

LIMITATIONS

First, this was an open-label trial. A blinded design was considered too complex, in part because of the markedly different infusion rates of the two drugs. Second, there was subjectivity in the assessment of 'cessation of all signs of continuous, rhythmic clonic activity' as the primary outcome, rather than fixed time points to assess convulsive status epilepticus termination. However, site training included simulated demonstration of seizure cessation. Third, the time point of randomisation resulted in convulsive status epilepticus termination prior to administration of trial treatment in some cases. This affected both treatment arms equally and had been prespecified at the design stage. Last, safety measures were a secondary outcome, but the trial was not powered to demonstrate difference in serious adverse reactions between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Levetiracetam was not statistically superior to phenytoin in convulsive status epilepticus termination rate, time taken to terminate convulsive status epilepticus or frequency of serious adverse reactions. The results suggest that it may be an alternative to phenytoin in the second-line management of paediatric convulsive status epilepticus. Simple trial design, bespoke site training and effective leadership were found to facilitate practitioner commitment to the trial and its success. We provide a framework to optimise recruitment discussions in paediatric emergency medicine trials.

FUTURE WORK

Future work should include a meta-analysis of published studies and the possible sequential use of levetiracetam and phenytoin or sodium valproate in the second-line treatment of paediatric convulsive status epilepticus.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN22567894 and European Clinical Trials Database EudraCT number 2014-002188-13.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 58. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

First-line medication dosing in pediatric refractory status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with low benzodiazepine (BZD) dosing in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and to assess the impact of BZD treatment variability on seizure cessation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study with prospectively collected data of children with convulsive RSE admitted between June 2011 and January 2019. We analyzed the initial and total BZD dose within 10 minutes of treatment initiation. We used logistic regression modeling to evaluate predictors of low BZD dosing and multivariate Cox regression analysis to assess the impact of low BZD dosing on time to seizure cessation.

RESULTS

We included 289 patients (55.7% male) with a median age of 4.3 (1.3-9.5) years. BZDs were the initial medication in 278 (96.2%). Of those, 161 patients (57.9%) received a low initial dose. Low initial BZD doses occurred in both out-of-hospital (57 of 106; 53.8%) and in-hospital (104 of 172; 60.5%) settings. One hundred three patients (37.1%) received low total BZD dose. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.49; p = 0.012), older age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.17; p < 0.001), no prior diagnosis of epilepsy (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23-3.69; p = 0.008), and delayed BZD treatment (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.24-3.94; p = 0.007) were associated with low total BZD dose. Patients who received low total BZD dosing were less likely to achieve seizure cessation (hazard ratio 0.7, 95% CI 0.57-0.95).

CONCLUSION

BZD doses were lower than recommended in both out-of-hospital and in-hospital settings. Factors associated with low total BZD dose included male sex, older age, no prior epilepsy diagnosis, and delayed BZD treatment. Low total BZD dosing was associated with decreased likelihood of Seizure cessation.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that patients with RSE who present with male sex, older age, no prior diagnosis of epilepsy, and delayed BZD treatment are more likely to receive low total BZD doses. This study provides Class III evidence that in pediatric RSE low total BZD dose decreases the likelihood of seizure cessation.

Hemispheric Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring During Pediatric Seizure Activity in a Pediatric Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Sustained neuronal activity during seizures causes cellular perturbations, alterations in cerebral physiology, and potentially neurological injury, a neurological emergency. With variable clinical manifestations of seizures, frequent failure of seizure recognition by providers in pediatric and developmentally challenged patients can increase seizure complications. Neuroresuscitation should include rapid cerebral physiology assessment for increased seizure recognition and optimal neurological outcomes. In neurological emergencies, cerebral oximetry has demonstrated its utility in altered cerebral physiology and a standard combat neurological assessment tool. During adult seizures, cerebral oximetry (regional cerebral oxygen saturation [rcSO2]) has been shown as a useful neurological assessment tool, but research is lacking in pediatric emergency department (PED) seizure patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify trends in rcSO2 readings for patients presenting to the PED with seizure activity and in the postseizure state in order to evaluate usefulness of rcSO2 as a neurological assessment tool in pediatric seizure patients.

METHODS

This was a PED observational case series comparing hemispheric rcSO2 readings in first-time clinically evident generalized and focal seizure patients to first-time postseizure patients with no PED seizures.

RESULTS

Generalized or focal seizure (n = 185) hemispheric rcSO2 revealed significant differences compared with nonseizure and controls' rcSO2 readings (n = 115) (P < 0.0001). Generalized and focal seizure rcSO2's were either less than 60% or greater than 80% compared with nonseizure rcSO2 (P < 0.0001). Ipsilateral focal seizure rcSO2 correlated to seizure side (P < 0.0001) and was less than the contralateral rcSO2 (P < 0.0001), with interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance greater than 16 (P < 0.0001). Seizure to preseizure rcSO2 discordance was as follows: generalized 15.2, focal: left 19.8, right 20.3 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemispheric during-seizure rcSO2 readings significantly correlated with generalized and focal seizures and reflected altered cerebral physiology. Ipsilateral focal seizure rcSO2 readings correlated to the focal side with wide interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance. All postseizure rcSO2 readings returned to preseizure readings, showing altered cerebral physiology resolution. Overall, in generalized or focal seizure, rcSO2 readings were less than 60% or greater than 80%, and in focal seizure, interhemispheric rcSO2 discordance was greater than 10. During seizures, hemispheric rcSO2 readings demonstrated its potential pediatric seizure utility. Utilizing rcSO2 readings related to seizure activity could expedite pediatric and developmentally challenged patients' seizure recognition, cerebral assessment, and interventions especially in pharmacoresistant seizures.

Evaluation of adherence to pediatric status epilepticus management guidelines in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To assess compliance with the 2017 Saudi pediatric status epilepticus management guidelines and to printout the main obstacle for adherence to the guidelines.

Methods:

A Cross sectional study conducted in September 2019, using electronic survey. The survey sent to all the Pediatric Emergency physicians practicing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through emails and WhatsApp and the questionnaire based on clinical scenario written in English language.

Results:

One hundred and three (70%) of 147 physicians working in KSA and covering pediatric emergency departments responded to the survey. Only 20% of the physicians reported full compliance to all 4 guideline components; 57% reported that they were not aware of the published guidelines.

Conclusion:

Pediatric emergency physicians reported poor compliance to the 2017 published guidelines for the treatment of children with convulsive status epilepticus in KSA.

Autonomic dysfunction and sudden death in patients with Rett syndrome: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Rett syndrome (RTT), a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder that begins in early childhood, is characterized by impairments in the autonomic nervous system that can lead to sudden unexpected death. This study explores the mechanisms of autonomic dysfunction to identify potential risk factors for sudden death in patients with RTT.

METHODS

Following the Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we undertook comprehensive systematic reviews using the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

We identified and critically appraised 39 articles for autonomic dysfunction and 5 for sudden death that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Following thematic analysis, we identified 7 themes: breathing irregularities, abnormal spontaneous brainstem activations, heart rate variability metrics, QTc changes, vagal imbalance, fluctuation in peptides and serotonergic neurotransmission. We grouped these 7 themes into 3 final themes: (A) brainstem modulation of breathing, (B) electrical instability of the cardiovascular system and (C) neurochemical changes contributing to autonomic decline. We described key evidence relating to each theme and identified important areas that could improve the clinical management of patients with RTT.

LIMITATIONS

The heterogeneity of the methods used to assess autonomic function increased the difficulty of making inferences from the different studies.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the important mediators of autonomic dysfunction and sudden death in patients with RTT. We proposed brainstem mechanisms and emphasized risk factors that increase brainstem vulnerability. We discussed clinical management to reduce sudden death and future directions for this vulnerable population.

Status Epilepticus in Neonates and Infants

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency in childhood associated with high mortality and morbidity. Acute management of seizures along with aggressive evaluation for establishing the underlying cause are crucial determinants of outcome. Neonatal status epilepticus carries the burden of poor neurological outcomes and may lead to global developmental delay as well as persistent seizures. The aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of SE in neonates and young infants differ compared to older children and adults. The most common causes of SE in neonates includes hypoxic sequelae, ischemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. In infants, febrile status epilepticus and acute symptomatic seizures are more common than remote symptomatic causes. Recent advances in neuroimaging modalities and molecular diagnostic techniques have facilitated better diagnostic precision. There is deplorable lack of evidence evaluating management strategies of SE in this age group. In addition to prompt initiation of antiseizure medications, vitamin supplementation needs to be empirically added. Simultaneously, meticulous evaluation to determine cause must also be conducted. In this review, we discuss challenges and an algorithmic approach to the diagnosis and management of SE in neonates and infants.

Pharmacotherapy for Pediatric Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is one of the most common pediatric neurological emergencies. Ongoing seizure activity is a dynamic process and may be associated with progressive impairment of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition due to rapid internalization of GABA_A receptors. Further hyperexcitability may be caused by AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) receptors moving from subsynaptic sites to the synaptic membrane. Receptor trafficking during prolonged seizures may contribute to difficulties treating seizures of longer duration and may provide some of the pathophysiological underpinnings of established and refractory SE (RSE). Simultaneously, a practice change toward more rapid initiation of first-line benzodiazepine (BZD) treatment and faster escalation to second-line non-BZD treatment for established SE is in progress. Early administration of the recommended BZD dose is suggested. For second-line treatment, non-BZD anti-seizure medications (ASMs) include valproate, fosphenytoin, or levetiracetam, among others, and at this point there is no clear evidence that any one of these options is better than the others. If seizures continue after second-line ASMs, RSE is manifested. RSE treatment consists of bolus doses and titration of continuous infusions under continuous electro-encephalography (EEG) guidance until electrographic seizure cessation or burst-suppression. Ultimately, etiological workup and related treatment of CSE, including broad spectrum immunotherapies as clinically indicated, is crucial. A potential therapeutic approach for future studies may entail consideration of interventions that may accelerate diagnosis and treatment of SE, as well as rational and early polytherapy based on synergism between ASMs by utilizing medications targeting different mechanisms of epileptogenesis and epileptogenicity.

Management of status epilepticus in children prior to medical retrieval: Deviations from the guidelines

AIM

To evaluate the influence of adherence to treatment guidelines on outcomes in children presenting with status epilepticus (SE) using the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service, New South Wales prospective registry.

METHODS

We reviewed the treatment of children with SE, transported by the Newborn And Paediatric Emergency Transport Service to a tertiary paediatric hospital, over 1 year. We evaluated variation in management from the New South Wales clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS

There was excessive administration of benzodiazepines (BZD) and a delay in administration of appropriate second-line treatment of status (median 45 min). There was excessive use of BZD, with five or more doses of BZD associated with significantly higher odds for intubation.

CONCLUSION

There is considerable scope to improve clinician compliance with the SE clinical practice guidelines.

Seizure Rescue Medication Use among US Pediatric Epilepsy Providers: A Survey of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium

OBJECTIVE

To assess how pediatric neurologists prescribe home seizure rescue medications to treat acute prolonged seizures and clusters of seizures in children.

STUDY DESIGN

A brief, email survey was sent to the members of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium assessing seizure rescue medication prescribing practices for patients of different age groups, cognitive abilities, and seizure type. Survey responses were anonymous.

RESULTS

Thirty-six respondents (of 76 surveyed; 47% response rate) completed the survey. Rectal diazepam was the most commonly chosen rescue medication for a prolonged convulsive seizure in a severely developmentally delayed 16-year-old (44%) and typical and delayed 7-year-old (44% and 61%, respectively), 3-year-old (78% and 86%, respectively), and 9-month-old (83%) patients. Most responders (69%) indicated that developmentally typical 16-year-olds would be prescribed intranasal midazolam. For clusters of seizures, clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets were the most frequent first-line option in all age groups, except developmentally delayed 3-year-old and 9-month-old children, for whom rectal diazepam was chosen more commonly. Medication dosing generally followed standard dosing guidelines with very few exceptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal diazepam remains the most frequently used rescue medication for prolonged seizures for nearly all age groups, except in developmentally typical teenagers, for whom intranasal midazolam is used more often. Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets are the most frequently used medication for treatment of clusters of seizures, except in younger patients. Further work is necessary to establish best practices for type and administration route of seizure rescue medications.

Management of convulsive status epilepticus in children: an adapted clinical practice guideline for pediatricians in Saudi Arabia

Objective:

To increase the use of evidence-based approaches in the diagnosis, investigations and treatment of Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE) in children in relevant care settings.

Method:

A Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) adaptation group was formulated at a university hospital in Riyadh. The group utilized 2 CPG validated tools including the ADAPTE method and the AGREE II instrument.

Results:

The group adapted 3 main categories of recommendations from one Source CPG. The recommendations cover; (i)first-line treatment of CSE in the community; (ii)treatment of CSE in the hospital; and (iii)refractory CSE. Implementation tools were built to enhance knowledge translation of these recommendations including a clinical algorithm, audit criteria, and a computerized provider order entry.

Conclusion:

A clinical practice guideline for the Saudi healthcare context was formulated using a guideline adaptation process to support relevant clinicians managing CSE in children.

Impact of prescribing intranasal midazolam as rescue medication for domiciliary management of acute seizure among children with epilepsy

Prescription pattern of rescue medication like intranasal midazolam (INM) for domiciliary management of seizure is highly variable. The present cross-sectional study was designed to determine the impact of the use of INM on healthcare utilization by those who used INM when compared with those who are not on any rescue medications in a resource-constraint setting. Children with epilepsy aged 1-14 years who have used INM to abort seizure at home (INM group) were compared with those who have not used INM (control group). The baseline demographic and seizure characteristics including the severity of epilepsy were comparable between the INM group (n = 50) and controls (n = 50). The INM group had significantly better knowledge of the correct method of administration when compared with controls [43 (86%) vs. 17 (34%); p < 0.01]. Seizures were aborted in 36 (72%) users in the INM group; of the rest of 14 children, 4 (8%) used it for the second time. The median Interquartile range (IQR) time taken to abort the seizure was 2.5 (1.0, 5.2) min. The need for intensive care admissions was comparable between the INM group and control group, although the number of emergency visits was significantly higher in the former [2.9 vs. 1.4, p = 0.04]. Despite comparable severity of epilepsy and better knowledge of its correct use, children who were prescribed INM required more hospital emergency visits. This study with a limited sample size prompts us to introspect the practice of INM for children with epilepsy.

Time to continuous electroencephalogram in repeated admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit

PURPOSE

Describe timing from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to initiation of continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) in repeated ICU admissions.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective observational study in pediatric patients who underwent repeated ICU admissions with cEEG from 2011 to 2013. The main outcome measure was time from ICU admission to cEEG.

RESULTS

There were 41 patients (54% males) with at least 2 ICU admissions with cEEG (median (p25-p75) age at first admission: 3.3 (0.3-8.4) years, at second admission: 3.9 (1.1-9.4) years), 7 patients (57% males, 9.9 (2.9-11.5) years) with at least 3 ICU admissions, and 5 patients (60% males, 10.1 (4-10.5) years) with at least 4 ICU admissions. One patient had 21 ICU admissions. The median (p25-p75) time from ICU admission to cEEG was not different during the first and second ICU admissions [10.7 (1.9-22.9) hours versus 13 (0.2-36.7) hours; p=0.908]. Among patients with electrographic seizures on first admission, time to cEEG was not different during the first and second admissions [7.9 (0.5-23.4) hours versus 14.5 (-2 to 44.5) hours; p=0.636]. Among patients with status epilepticus during the first admission, time to cEEG was not different between the first and second admissions [15.3 (9-79) hours versus 40.7 (19.3-42.6) hours; p=0.75].

CONCLUSIONS

The time from ICU admission to the initiation of cEEG did not decrease in second or subsequent ICU admissions, even in patients with seizures or status epilepticus on the first admission.

Emergency treatment with levetiracetam or phenytoin in status epilepticus in children-the EcLiPSE study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common life-threatening neurological emergency in childhood. These children are also at risk of significant morbidity, with acute and chronic impact on the family and the health and social care systems. The current recommended first-choice, second-line treatment in children aged 6 months and above is intravenous phenytoin (fosphenytoin in the USA), although there is a lack of evidence for its use and it is associated with significant side effects. Emerging evidence suggests that intravenous levetiracetam may be effective as a second-line agent for CSE, and fewer adverse effects have been described. This trial therefore aims to determine whether intravenous phenytoin or levetiracetam is more effective, and safer, in treating childhood CSE.

Methods/design

This is a phase IV, multi-centre, parallel group, randomised controlled, open-label trial. Following treatment for CSE with first-line treatment, children with ongoing seizures are randomised to receive either phenytoin (20 mg/kg, maximum 2 g) or levetiracetam (40 mg/kg, maximum 2.5 g) intravenously. The primary outcome measure is the cessation of all visible signs of CSE as determined by the treating clinician. Secondary outcome measures include the need for further anti-seizure medications or rapid sequence induction for ongoing CSE, admission to critical care areas, and serious adverse reactions. Patients are recruited without prior consent, with deferred consent sought at an appropriate time for the family. The primary analysis will be by intention-to-treat. The primary outcome is a time to event outcome and a sample size of 140 participants in each group will have 80% power to detect an increase in CSE cessation rates from 60% to 75%. Our total sample size of 308 randomised and treated participants will allow for 10% loss to follow-up.

Discussion

This clinical trial will determine whether phenytoin or levetiracetam is more effective as an intravenous second-line agent for CSE, and provide evidence for management recommendations. In addition, this trial will also provide data on which of these therapies is safer in this setting.

Trial registration

ISRCTN identifier, ISRCTN22567894. Registered on 27 August 2015

EudraCT identifier, 2014-002188-13. Registered on 21 May 2014

NIHR HTA Grant: 12/127/134

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2010-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Predictors of Outcome in Children with Status Epilepticus during Resuscitation in Pediatric Emergency Department: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objectives:

To study the clinical profile and predictors of outcome in children with status epilepticus (SE) during resuscitation in pediatric emergency department.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Admission and resuscitation data of children, aged between 1 month and 12 years, treated for SE, between September 2013 and August 2014, were extracted using a standard data collection form. Our SE management protocol had employed a modified pediatric assessment triangle to recognize and treat acute respiratory failure, cardiovascular dysfunction (CD), and subtle SE until all parameters resolved. Continuous positive airway pressure, fluid boluses based on shock etiology, inotropes, and cardiac safe anticonvulsants were the other modifications. Risk factors predicting mortality during resuscitation were analyzed using univariate and penalized logistic regression.

Results:

Among 610 who were enrolled, 582 (95.4%) survived and 28 (4.6%) succumbed. Grunt odds ratio (OR): 3.747 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.035−13.560), retractions OR: 2.429 (95% CI: 1.036−5.698), rales OR: 10.145 (95% CI: 4.027−25.560), prolonged capillary refill time OR: 3.352 (95% CI: 1.339−8.388), and shock requiring >60 mL/kg fluids OR: 2.439 (95% CI 1.040−5.721) were associated with 2−3 times rise in mortality. Inappropriate prehospital treatment and CD were the significant predictors of mortality OR: 7.82 (95% CI 2.10−29.06) and 738.71 (95% CI: 97.11−999), respectively. Resolution of CD was associated with improved survival OR: 0.02 (95% CI: 0.003−0.17).

Conclusion:

Appropriate prehospital management and treatment protocol targeting resolution of CD during resuscitation could reduce mortality in children with SE.

Seizure Treatment in Children Transported to Tertiary Care: Recommendation Adherence and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Convulsive seizures account for 15% of pediatric air transports. We evaluated seizure treatment received in community hospital emergency departments among transported patients for adherence to recommended management.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study of children transported for an acute seizure to a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2010 to 2013. Seizure treatment was evaluated for adherence to recommended management. The primary outcome was intubation.

RESULTS

Among 126 events, 61% did not receive recommended acute treatment. The most common deviation from recommended care was administration of >2 benzodiazepine doses. Lack of adherence to recommended care was associated with a greater than twofold increased risk of intubation (relative risk 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.13) and 1.5-fold increased risk of admission to the ICU (relative risk 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.16). Duration of ventilation was commonly <24 hours (87%) for patients who did or did not receive recommended acute seizure care. Among events treated initially with a benzodiazepine, only 32% received a recommended weight-based dosage, and underdosing was most common.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to evidence-based recommended acute seizure treatment during initial care of pediatric patients using medical air transportation was poor. Intubation was more common when patients did not receive recommended acute seizure care. Educational efforts with a sustained quality focus should be directed to increase adherence to appropriate pediatric seizure treatment of children in community emergency departments.

Refractory Status Epilepticus in Children: Intention to Treat With Continuous Infusions of Midazolam and Pentobarbital

OBJECTIVE

To describe pediatric patients with convulsive refractory status epilepticus in whom there is intention to use an IV anesthetic for seizure control.

DESIGN

Two-year prospective observational study evaluating patients (age range, 1 mo to 21 yr) with refractory status epilepticus not responding to two antiepileptic drug classes and treated with continuous infusion of anesthetic agent.

SETTING

Nine pediatric hospitals in the United States.

PATIENTS

In a cohort of 111 patients with refractory status epilepticus (median age, 3.7 yr; 50% male), 54 (49%) underwent continuous infusion of anesthetic treatment.

MAIN RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) ICU length of stay was 10 (3-20) days. Up to four "cycles" of serial anesthetic therapy were used, and seizure termination was achieved in 94% by the second cycle. Seizure duration in controlled patients was 5.9 (1.9-34) hours for the first cycle and longer when a second cycle was required (30 [4-120] hr; p = 0.048). Midazolam was the most frequent first-line anesthetic agent (78%); pentobarbital was the most frequently used second-line agent after midazolam failure (82%). An electroencephalographic endpoint was used in over half of the patients; higher midazolam dosing was used with a burst suppression endpoint. In midazolam nonresponders, transition to a second agent occurred after a median of 1 day. Most patients (94%) experienced seizure termination with these two therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Midazolam and pentobarbital remain the mainstay of continuous infusion therapy for refractory status epilepticus in the pediatric patient. The majority of patients experience seizure termination within a median of 30 hours. These data have implications for the design and feasibility of future intervention trials. That is, testing a new anesthetic anticonvulsant after failure of both midazolam and pentobarbital is unlikely to be feasible in a pediatric study, whereas a decision to test an alternative to pentobarbital, after midazolam failure, may be possible in a multicenter multinational study.

A Comparison of Intravenous Levetiracetam and Valproate for the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus in Children

Because of the lack of studies comparing the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam and valproate before the induction of general anesthesia in the treatment of convulsive refractory status epilepticus in children, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of these antiepileptic drugs in patients with convulsive status epilepticus admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit between 2011 and 2014. Forty-six (59%) of the 78 patients received levetiracetam, and 32 (41%) received valproate for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus. The response rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Although no adverse event was noted in patients who received levetiracetam, 4 (12.5%) patients in the valproate group experienced liver dysfunction (P = .025). According to our results, levetiracetam and valproate may be used in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus before the induction of general anesthesia. Levetiracetam appears as effective as valproate, and also safer.

Impact of an ICU EEG monitoring pathway on timeliness of therapeutic intervention and electrographic seizure termination

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine whether implementation of a structured multidisciplinary electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring pathway improved the timeliness of administration of antiseizure medication in response to electrographic seizures in encephalopathic critically ill children.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team developed a pathway to standardize EEG monitoring and seizure management in encephalopathic critically ill children, aiming to decrease the time from electrographic seizure onset to antiseizure medication administration. Data were collected to inform the team of improvement opportunities, which were then provided by an institutional pathway, staff education, and streamlined communication. Measurements were obtained before and after pathway implementation to assess for improvement.

RESULTS

We collected data on 41 patients before and 21 after pathway implementation. There were no differences between the baseline and pathway groups in demographic characteristics, acute encephalopathy etiologies, or antiseizure medications utilized. The median duration [interquartile range, IQR] from seizure onset to antiseizure medication administration was shorter for patients treated with the pathway (64 min [50, 101]) compared to patients treated prior to pathway implementation (139 min [71, 189]; p = 0.0006). The median [IQR] interval from seizure onset to antiseizure medication order was shorter for the pathway group (31 min [20, 49]) than the baseline group (71 min [33, 131]; p = 0.003). The median [IQR] interval from antiseizure medication order to administration was shorter for the pathway group (30 min [19, 40]) than the baseline group (40 min [17, 68]) (p = 0.047). Seizure termination was more likely to occur following initial antiseizure medication administration in the pathway than baseline group (67% vs. 27%, p = 0.002).

SIGNIFICANCE

Implementation of the pathway resulted in a significant reduction in the duration between electrographic seizure onset and antiseizure medication administration, and a significant increase in the rate of electrographic seizure termination following an initial antiseizure medication. Further study is needed to determine whether these changes are associated with improved outcomes.

Management of Status Epilepticus in Children

Status epilepticus is a common pediatric neurological emergency. Management includes prompt administration of appropriately selected anti-seizure medications, identification and treatment of seizure precipitant(s), as well as identification and management of associated systemic complications. This review discusses the definitions, classification, epidemiology and management of status epilepticus and refractory status epilepticus in children.

Seizures in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the research is to determine the etiology and clinical features of seizures in critically ill children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODS

A total of 203 children were admitted from June 2013 to November 2013; 45 patients were eligible. Age ranged from 2 months to 19 years. Seizures were organized as epileptic or acute symptomatic. Pediatric risk of mortality score III, Glasgow coma scale, risk factors, coexistent diagnosis, medications administered before admission, type and duration of seizures, drugs used, requirement and duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay and neuroimaging findings were collected as demographic data prospectively.

RESULTS

The male-female ratio was 0.8. Mean age was 5.4. The most common causes of seizures were acute symptomatic. Most frequent coexistent diagnosis was infectious diseases, and 53.3% had recurrent seizures. Medications were administered to 51.1% of the patients before admission. Seizures were focal in 21 (46.7%), generalized in 11 (24.4%) and 13 (28.9%) had status epilepticus. Intravenous midazolam was first-line therapy in 48.9%. Acute symptomatic seizures were usually new-onset, and duration was shorter. Epileptic seizures tended to be recurrent and were likely to progress to status epilepticus. However, type of seizures did not change severity of the disease. Also, laboratory test results, medications administered before admission, requirement and duration of ventilation, mortality and length of stay were not significant between epileptic/acute symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

Seizures in critically ill children, which may evolve into status epilepticus, is an important condition that requires attention regardless of cause. Intensified educational programs for PICU physicians and international guidelines are necessary for a more efficient approach to children with seizures.

Seizures in the paediatric emergency department

Seizures are a common presentation to emergency departments. Early intervention improves treatment response. Use of consensus guidelines is highly recommended to decrease drug side effects and reduce intensive care requirements. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay of first-line treatment. Choice of drugs for second-line treatment is expanding and some important studies are currently underway to determine which of these agents has the best safety and effectiveness profile in children.

Teachers of various school grades and representations of epilepsy: problems, relational aspects and perspectives of life quality

Introduction

The analysis of the representations of the health of their students by teachers is key to the understanding of the attitudes and behaviors that, in general, take place inside the school community and the educational processes. In fact, social attitudes by teachers and individual within the school environment are often the result of simple categorization and stereotypes, which hinder the process of evolutionary change.

Aims

On these premises it was necessary to investigate the level of knowledge of the epilepsy syndrome, the representations by a group of teachers of the quality of life of people with epilepsy and the representations of the interpersonal relationships between students with epilepsy and their classmates.

Methodology

We used an ad hoc questionnaire, with 33 multiple choice answers, focusing on these variables: work seniority, experience with epileptic students, special education or main teacher.

Participants

The sample consisted of 113 female teachers with a mean age of 44.4.

Results

There aren’t significant differences between the answers of special education and main teachers: a) teachers with work seniority > 11 years showed a more than adequate knowledge of information about epilepsy. Moreover, in case of seizure in the classroom, first aid is to call an ambulance rather than administering rescue drugs; b) teachers, who have had a real experience, represent the epileptic student as more limited in the possibilities of getting married, having children, finding a job, and practising a sport; c) teachers, who have had a student with epilepsy don’t report interpersonal relationships with his/her classmates as being difficult. Moreover, they claim to have inadequate knowledge of the educational strategies needed to integrate the epileptic student with his/her classmates; d) there are some different answers for primary school teachers and for secondary school teachers.

Conclusions

Teachers demonstrate inaccurate information about epilepsy, its impact in educational contexts and management of seizures in the classroom. Also, critical areas have emerged indicating efforts should focus on education, sharing the role of teacher, awareness and integration in the class group.

Quality assurance evaluation of a simple linear protocol for the treatment of impending status epilepticus in a pediatric emergency department 2 years postimplementation

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a simple linear midazolam-based protocol for the management of impending status epilepticus in children up to 18 years of age.

Methods:

This is a descriptive, quality assessment, retrospective chart review of children presenting with the chief complaint of seizure disorder in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care pediatric hospital and a triage category of resuscitation or urgent from April 1, 2009, to August 31, 2011. In children with at least one seizure episode in the ED treated according to the linear protocol, three main outcomes were assessed: compliance, effectiveness, and complications.

Results:

Of the 128 children meeting the above study criteria, 68 had at least one seizure episode in the ED, and treatment was required to terminate at least one seizure episode in 46 of 68 patients (67.6%). Fifty-five seizure episodes were treated in the 46 patients: 51 of 55 seizure episodes were treated with midazolam (92.7%) and 4 of 55 with lorazepam or diazepam (7.3%). Of those treated with midazolam, 86.3% (44 of 51) were successfully treated with one or two doses of midazolam. The median seizure duration for all treated patients was 6 minutes. Of the 42 patients treated with midazolam, 7 required either continuous positive airway pressure or intubation, and two patients were treated for hypotension. One patient died of pneumococcal meningitis.

Conclusion:

This simple linear protocol is an effective and safe regimen for the treatment of impending status epilepticus in children.

Children with convulsive epileptic seizures presenting to padua pediatric emergency department: the first retrospective population-based descriptive study in an Italian Health District

Convulsive epileptic seizures in children represent a common cause of admission to pediatric emergency department. Data about incidence, etiology, and outcome are still lacking in literature. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of children presenting to our pediatric emergency department with convulsive seizures during a 12-month period and collected their diagnoses over the following year. In all, 182 children met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 214 visits (1.2% of all attendances, n = 24 864). Seizures lasted less than 5 minutes in 76%, 5 to 30 minutes in 20%, 30 to 60 minutes in 2%, and over 60 minutes in 2% visits ("early," "established," "refractory," convulsive status epilepticus, respectively). Incidence of "early" (seizure lasting 5-30 minutes) and "established" (seizure lasting 30-60 minutes) status epilepticus was 52/100 000/year and 7/100 000/year respectively. Most common causes were febrile seizures (56%) and remote symptomatic seizures (19%). Knowing the epidemiology of convulsive seizures in children is important to guide appropriate management and individualized follow-up.

Status epilepticus and refractory status epilepticus management

Status epilepticus (SE) describes persistent or recurring seizures without a return to baseline mental status and is a common neurologic emergency. SE can occur in the context of epilepsy or may be symptomatic of a wide range of underlying etiologies. The clinician's aim is to rapidly institute care that simultaneously stabilizes the patient medically, identifies and manages any precipitant conditions, and terminates seizures. Seizure management involves "emergent" treatment with benzodiazepines followed by "urgent" therapy with other antiseizure medications. If seizures persist, then refractory SE is diagnosed and management options include additional antiseizure medications or infusions of midazolam or pentobarbital. This article reviews the management of pediatric SE and refractory SE.

Pediatric status epilepticus management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the management of status epilepticus in children, including both anticonvulsant medications and overall management approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

Rapid management of status epilepticus is associated with a greater likelihood of seizure termination and better outcomes, yet data indicate that there are often management delays. This review discusses an overall management approach aiming to simultaneously identify and manage underlying precipitant causes, administer anticonvulsants in rapid succession until seizures have terminated, and identify and manage systemic complications. An example management pathway is provided.

SUMMARY

Status epilepticus is a common neurologic emergency in children and requires rapid intervention. Having a predetermined status epilepticus management pathway can expedite management.

A review of the quality of care following prolonged seizures in 1-18 year olds with epilepsies

PURPOSE

To review the quality of care of children and young people with epilepsies who, following a prolonged seizure, received high-dependency or intensive care. To identify and learn from clinical, organisational, management or personal issues that contributed to these admissions, in order to inform practice and improve clinical services for children across the UK.

METHOD

Notifications were collected from consultant paediatricians in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over a 10-month period. For all eligible cases a clinical questionnaire was sent to the notifying clinician. A sample of these cases were selected for a detailed case note review. Case notes were reviewed by paediatrician-nurse pairs using a purpose-built assessment tool derived from national guidelines.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 135 clinical questionnaires, and 36 sets of case notes were reviewed. Findings were compared to national standards of care and emerging themes identified. There was evidence of good epilepsy management in many cases. In some cases there was evidence of a lack of clear emergency care plans, of delays in administration of emergency medication, and of deviation from established national guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this review suggest there have been improvements in the care of children and young people with epilepsies presenting with prolonged seizures compared to previous studies. Nevertheless, further improvements are needed, particularly in communication with families and prompt administration of emergency medication.

Intensive care treatment of uncontrolled status epilepticus in children: systematic literature search of midazolam and anesthetic therapies*

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature search and review of the best evidence for intensive care treatment of refractory status epilepticus in children using continuous infusion of midazolam or anesthetic agents.

DESIGN

MEDLINE and EMBASE search before December 2013 using key words and/or Medical Subject Headings identified English-language citations that were screened for eligibility and used if 1) the study was about high-dose benzodiazepine or anesthetic agent for children; 2) the treatment protocol was described and used for refractory status epilepticus; 3) the outcomes included seizure control; and 4) the series included at least five children.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen studies (645 patients) were identified, including midazolam (nine studies), barbiturate (four studies), and other anesthetic approaches (three studies). When midazolam was used as the initial agent for refractory status epilepticus, the rate of clinical seizure control was 76%, which was achieved on average 41 minutes after starting the infusion. When midazolam was used in conjunction with continuous electroencephalography, the time to seizure control was much longer and the mean dose required for seizure control was 10.7 μg/kg/min compared with a lower dose (2.8 μg/kg/min) in the studies not using this form of monitoring, suggesting that continuous electroencephalography provided additional targets for treatment. Barbiturates were usually used after midazolam failed and treatment was started, on average, 66 hours after refractory status epilepticus onset with the goal of electroencephalography burst suppression, which was achieved, on average, 22.6 hours later. Among patients failing midazolam, barbiturate infusion was effective in 65%. Inhaled anesthetics, ketamine, and hypothermia were generally used after prior therapy with midazolam and barbiturates had failed, usually several days after seizure onset.

CONCLUSIONS

The data on intensive care treatment of pediatric refractory status epilepticus are of poor quality, yet they show a hierarchy in strategies: early midazolam, then barbiturates, and then trial of other anesthetic strategies. In addition, using a solely clinical endpoint for seizure control may be missing significant seizure burden in pediatric refractory status epilepticus.