title: Oral ketamine in paediatric non-convulsive status epilepticus.
abstract: In children, non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is rare and difficult to treat. Response to steroids and GABAergic medication is variable and often decreases with increasing duration of NCSE. We present our experience with oral ketamine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, administered to five children with severe epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, myoclonic-astatic epilepsy, progressive myoclonic epilepsy and Pseudo-Lennox Syndrome) during an episode of NCSE. Resolution of NCSE was documented in all cases clinically and electroencephalographically within 24-48 hours of starting ketamine. No significant side effects were noted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Children's University Hospital Queen Fabiola, Free University of Brussels (ULB), Avenue JJ Crocq 15, 1020 Brussels, Belgium. lmewasingh@belgacom.net
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Mewasingh
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sékhara
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aeby
authors.forename: F J C
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Christiaens
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dan
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007649:Ketamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D007649:Ketamine