Rapid diazepam introduction (venous or rectal) in childhood epilepsy: taxonomic and therapeutic considerations.
Rapid diazepam (DZP) introduction was investigated in 24 children with different types of cryptogenic or symptomatic generalized epilepsy and EEG epileptic "status" with EEG and pharmacologic monitoring. In 12 cases DZP was given intravenously and in another 12 by the rectal route. In general, intravenous administration proved more rapid and more effective as to high blood levels of DZP and the arrest of the paroxysmal activity. However, when the results were correlated to the different forms of paroxysmal EEG activity it was apparent that cases with a typical hypsarrhythmic EEG pattern under the age of 12 months and cases with unorganized paroxysmal activity over the age of 12 months are insensitive or only slightly sensitive to both intravenous and rectal introduction. A number of taxonomic and therapeutic considerations are presented.
De Negri
M
M
Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Genova University, Gaslini Institute, Italy.
Gaggero
R
R
Veneselli
E
E
Pessagno
A
A
Baglietto
M G
MG
Pallecchi
A
A
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male
D003975:Diazepam