title: The multifaceted care of status epilepticus.
abstract: After seizures have been controlled, long-term care of status epilepticus may be needed and collectively involves every major organ. First, as a result of rapid escalation of antiepileptic drugs, there are initial concerns with hypotension, acid-base abnormalities, and cardiac arrhythmias. Second, refractory status epilepticus and the continuous need for intravenous administration of anesthetic drugs will lead to a multitude of systemic complications that require long-term complex care. Most anticipated problems are infectious complications with a high risk of pneumonia and sepsis, but thromboembolism due to immobilization and catheter placement are also common. If a good outcome is possible or anticipated in a patient with refractory status epilepticus, physicians should plan for a surveillance and treatment protocol to adequately support these patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Critical Care Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A. wijde@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Eelco F M
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Wijdicks
mesh_terms: D000777:Anesthetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008134:Long-Term Care; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: Intensive care; Medical complications; Propofol; Side effects; Status epilepticus