[Status epilepticus in children. Experience with intravenous valproate. Update of treatment guidelines].
BACKGROUND
The treatment in the acute phase of seizures and status epilepticus is a neurological emergency situation. Aggressive treatment and resuscitation maneuvers against the seizure may be required to avoid progression towards status epilepticus, with the high risk for the patients outcome this involves.


METHODS
The use of rectal diazepam has supposed a great advance in the management of acute seizures. Intravenous sodium valproate has become available in these last years to control seizures and status epilepticus. Given at 20 mg/kg as single dose and with maintenance rate of 1 mg/kg/hour by intravenous infusion in 19 paediatric patients (1 day-7 years) status epilepticus was controlled in 58%, with reduction of status in 26%. Tolerance was good and there was no evidence of important adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of our experience, we present a new protocol for the treatment of seizures and status epilepticus in childhood.
Campistol
J
J
Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, España.
Fernández
A
A
Ortega
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid; D003975:Diazepam