Topiramate loading for refractory status epilepticus in children.
OBJECTIVE
To describe three cases of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in children responsive to topiramate (TPM).


METHODS
Patients with SE refractory to therapeutic doses of at least two antiepileptic medications were given TPM, 10 mg/kg/d, for 2 consecutive days, followed by maintenance doses of 5 mg/kg/d.


RESULTS
This protocol has been used in three cases of RSE at our institution. In each case, SE was aborted within 21 h of the initial dose of TPM. Two patients avoided pharmacologic coma, and one was rapidly weaned from continuous benzodiazepine infusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience indicates that TPM loading can be effective in the treatment of RSE in children.
Perry
M Scott
MS
Emory University Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. scott_perry@oz.ped.emory.edu
Holt
Philip J
PJ
Sladky
John T
JT
D000367:Age Factors; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose