CLINICAL PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINE
Status Epilepticus and Refractory Status Epilepticus, Management of Adult TITLE: and Paediatric Patients DATE OF ISSUE: ISSUED BY: SUPERCEDES: ISSUED BY: Purpose:
To provide a guideline to assist physicians in the emergency management of patients with acute status epilepticus and refractory status epilepticus, both adults and paediatrics. Definition of Status Epilepticus (SE): Adults Continuous seizures lasting at least 5 minutes or two or more discrete seizures between which there is incomplete recovery of consciousness. Serial seizures are two or more seizures occurring over a relatively brief period (i.e., minutes to many hours), but with the patient regaining consciousness between the seizures. (1) Paediatrics Single generalized (tonic-clonic, myoclonic, tonic, or absence) or focal (clonic or jacksonian) seizure lasting 30 min or longer; includes any series of seizures without intervening return of consciousness with duration of greater than 30 min.(2) Generalized convulsive status includes tonic-clonic, tonic, clonic, or myoclonic SE, although the majority of cases consist of recurrent tonic-clonic seizures. Nonconvulsive SE includes absence and complex partial SE, both of which are characterized by clouding of consciousness with or without minor motor manifestations. With nonconvulsive SE the patient may appear confused, dazed or unable to speak. The patient may seem to comprehend but is unable to respond appropriately. The patient may appear to be comatose with or without subtle convulsive movements such as rhythmic muscle twitches or tonic eye deviation (also cal ed Subclinical Status). The EEG shows continuous ictal discharges. An EEG is usually required to distinguish between the two. Any type of simple partial seizure, including seizures with sensory, motor, language, autonomic, or psychic manifestations, can evolve into SE. (3) Status Epilepticus and Refractory Status Epilepticus, Management of Adult and Paediatric Patients Definition of Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE): Adults SE that does not respond to a benzodiazepine and phenytoin. (1) Paediatrics Persisting seizures. (2) Etiology of Status Epilepticus in Urban Hospital Practice (4) Etiology
*may include tricylic antidepressants, cocaine, opiates, ethylene glycol, methanol, phenothiazines, salicylates, carbon monoxide **such as bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis including West Nile ***such as hyponatremia, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, organ dysfunction such as hepatic, renal, hypercarbic respiratory failure Management Adults
Emergency Management of Acute Status Epilepticus – Adults – see Appendix A Refractory Status Epilepticus – ICU Management – Adults – see Appendix B Paediatrics Emergency Management of Acute Status Epilepticus – Paediatrics – see Appendix C Evaluation:
Following implementation, a staff survey will be conducted to determine if staff are aware of the guideline.
Status Epilepticus and Refractory Status Epilepticus, Management of Adult and Paediatric Patients Approval: General Medicine Steering Committee – May 19, 2005 ER Steering Committee – June 21, 2005 Paediatrics Steering Committee - …………. CQCC – June 15, 2005 (FYI) PPAC – June 27, 2005 (FYI) MAC – Dec 5, 2005 (FYI) Developed by: ER Steering and General Medicine Subcommittee Leaders – ER physician, Intensivist, Neurologist Team Members – Neurology Nurse Specialist, General Medicine Quality Facilitator, ICU Pharmacist, EEG technologist, Psychologist, Paediatrics Nurse Educator, Chief of Paediatrics, Paediatric Pharmacist, ER Nurse Educator, ER Pharmacist, ICU Nurse Educator References:
1. Lowenstein DH, Al dredge BK. Status Epilepticus. N Engl J Med 1998; 338: 970-976. 2. Cheng A, Wil iams BA, Sivarajan BV (editors), The Hospital for Sick Children’s Handbook of
Paediatrics, 10th edition (2003), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, Elsevier Canada.
3. Goetz, Textbook of Clinical Neurology, 2nd edition, 2003 Elsevier, Chapter Epilepsies and
4. Bassin S, Smith TL, Bleck TP. Clinical review: status epilepticus. Critical Care 2002; 6: 137-
5. Vasile B, Rasulo F, Candiani A, Latronico N. The pathophysiology of propofol infusion
syndrome: a simple name for a complex syndrome. Intensive Care Med; 29: 1417-1425.
6. Giroud M, Gras D, Escousse A et al. Use of injectable valproic acid in status epilepticus: a
pilot study. Drug Invest 1993; 5:154-159.
7. Wheless JW, Vazquez BR, Kanner AM et al. Rapid infusion with valproate sodium is well
tolerated in patients with epilepsy. Neurology 2004; 63 (8): 1-5.
Appendix A Emergency Management of Acute Status Epilepticus
(continuous seizures lasting at least 5 min or two or more discrete seizures
between which there is incomplete recovery of consciousness)
Do stat blood glucose via NOTE IMPORTANCE OF AGGRESSIVE, SIMULTANEOUS PURSUIT OF ETIOLOGY EG. LOOK FOR AND TREAT MENINGITIS/ENCEPHALITIS. Lorazepam 4 mg IV over 2 minutes
(lorazepam preferred due to long duration of effect and less interference with EEG)
Alternative: Give rectally if IV access difficult, unavailable or delayed.
*Tests: CBC, lytes, Ca, Mg, albumin (for pts having phenytoin levels measured), blood
cultures, urine cultures, urinalysis, antiepileptic drug levels, toxicology screen, (consider
Monitoring: VS, neurovitals, cardiac monitor, BP monitor, O2 sat
Consider: loading with phenytoin 15-20 mg/kg
Give additional lorazepam, up to a total dose of 0.1 mg/kg IV at
Monitor: VS, neurovitals, cardiac monitor, O2 sat
Adjust: patient’s at home antiepileptic
Phenytoin 20 mg/kg IV in NS, run at 50 mg/min OR 25 mg/min
EEG: prior to discharge if possible or as an
for patients with risk of hypotension, with an abnormal
preinfusion ECG, with cardiovascular disease or is elderly. Use
(For patients compliant with phenytoin at home, use 500 mg IV,
Refractory SE
Give additional phenytoin, up to a total dose of 30 mg/kg IV in NS
over 15 min then continue maintenance dose of 300 mg/day
Neurology/Medicine/ICU consult, intubation, **EEG**
1. Lowenstein DH, Alldredge BK. Status Epilepticus. N Engl J Med 1998; 338: 970-976.
Appendix B Refractory Status Epilepticus – ICU Management
(Status epilepticus that does not respond to a benzodiazepine and phenytoin)
Intubate and ventilate patient, admit to ICU
Note importance of aggressive, simultaneous pursuit of etiology eg. look for and treat meningitis/encephalitis.
Use IV fluids and low-dose dopamine to treat hypotension. If necessary, add low-dose dobutamine.
Decrease dosage of midazolam or propofol if there are any signs of cardiovascular compromise.
Start first: Midazolam
Give 4 to 10 mg as slow IV bolus, then initiate IV
Phenobarbital
infusion at 2 mg/h. Titrate up to 25 mg/h. Continue
maintenance doses of Phenobarbital and Phenytoin.
ALTERNATIVE: Propofol
Give 1-2 mg/kg as slow IV bolus, then initiate IV infusion
at 2 mg/kg/h, titrate to a maximum of 5 mg/kg/h.
(If > 5 mg/kg/h required, avoid infusion >48 h) 5
Continue maintenance doses of Phenobarbital and
and prior to discharge: - consult neuropsychology - notify Ministry of Transport
Consider addition of Pentobarbital (Nembutal)*
10-15 mg/kg IV over 1 h then 0.5-1 mg/kg/h
Valproic acid* may be considered. Give 15 mg/kg
IV bolus (in 25 mL NS over 5 min) then 30 min
following bolus, start 1 mg/kg/h IV infusion (6,7)
Consider surgical options, contact Toronto
1. Lowenstein DH, Alldredge BK. Status Epilepticus. N Engl J Med 1998; 338: 970-976. 5. Vasile B, Rasulo F, Candiani A, Latronico N. The pathophysiology of propofol infusion syndrome: a simple name
for a complex syndrome. Intensive Care Med; 29: 1417-1425.
6. Giroud M, Gras D, Escousse A et al. Use of injectable valproic acid in status epilepticus: a pilot study. Drug
7. Wheless JW, Vazquez BR, Kanner AM et al. Rapid infusion with valproate sodium is well tolerated in patients
with epilepsy. Neurology 2004; 63 (8): 1-5.
Appendix C Emergency Management of Acute Status Epilepticus PAEDIATRICS
(single generalized (tonic-clonic, myoclonic, tonic or absence) or focal (clonic or jacksonian) seizure lasting longer than 30 min
or longer; includes any series of seizures without intervening return of consciousness with duration of greater than 30 min)
3. Establish two IVs, Do stat blood glucose via glucometer and obtain labwork* NOTE IMPORTANCE OF AGGRESSIVE,
Administer: 5-10 mL/kg of D10W or D10 NS
SIMULTANEOUS PURSUIT OF ETIOLOGY EG. LOOK FOR AND TREAT MENINGITIS/ENCEPHALITIS. Lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg IV (max 4 mg/dose); repeat q5-10 min prn to max of two doses. Max rate: 2 mg/min; push slowly over 5 min
(lorazepam preferred due to long duration of effect and less interference with EEG)
Alternative: Lorazepam rectally 0.1 mg/kg repeat q5-10 min prn to max of two doses. Give in 1 or 3 mL syringe
diluting with NS (1 to 1 dilution), with or without feeding tube, squeezing buttocks together afterwards for 1-2 min.
*Tests: CBC, lytes, Ca, Mg, albumin (for pts having phenytoin levels measured), blood cultures, urine cultures (if indicated),
urinalysis, antiepileptic drug levels, toxicology screen
(blood/urine). Consider: ABGs, LP, CT scan, EEG, metabolic workup and LFTs as per clinical scenario
and child < 2 years Phenobarbital 10 mg/kg IV (max 600 mg). Max 1 mg/kg/min or 60 mg/min. May give in staged doses of 10 mg/kg up to max of 40 mg/kg. and child > 2 years Phenytoin 20 mg/kg IV (max 1 g): max rate 1 mg/kg/min or 50 mg/min whichever is less; infuse slowly, monitoring for hypotension and bradycardia. May give in staged doses of 10 mg/kg up to a max of 30 mg/kg (use 0.22 micron filter and NS only) Paraldehyde Rectal: 100% (1 g/mL) at 0.2-0.4 mL/kg (200-400 mg/kg/dose, max 10 mL(10 g)) (may repeat once), dilute in syringe with mineral oil or NS Paraldehyde IV: 5% solution 2-3 mL/kg (100-150 mg/kg) IV bolus then
0.3-0.4 mL/kg/h (15-20 mg/kg/h) (use glass bottle and vented Nitroglycerin Set PVC tubing)
Refractory SE
Consider intubation (if not intubated) and transfer to tertiary care.
Consult Critical Care Unit for ongoing seizure management
2. Cheng A, Wil iams BA, Sivarajan BV (editors), The Hospital for Sick Children’s Handbook of Paediatrics, 10th edition (2003),
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, Elsevier Canada.
TIP VAN DE LEZER HOE KRIJG JE HET BESTE RESULTAAT? Het ligt zo voor de hand om te denken dat het beste resultaat geboekt wordt door de prestatie te waarderen. Om de inspanningen op school, het sportveld en werk te beoordelen op het resultaat. Dat geeft immers aan of iemand voldoet aan de verwachtingen. Bovendien is het resultaat concreet en meetbaar waardoor er makkelijk een oordee
Chorale Trip to Vancouver, British Columbia RULES AND REGULATIONS – KEEP AT HOME! We are looking forward to a pleasant trip together! We will be doing loads of singing and sightseeing, so getting plenty of rest prior to and during our trip is highly encouraged, pleasant moods are deeply appreciated, and kindness is absolutely mandatory. Here are a few common sense rules that MUST be fol