title: Comparison of Intravenous Anesthetic Agents for the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus.
abstract: Status epilepticus that cannot be controlled with first- and second-line agents is called refractory status epilepticus (RSE), a condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most experts agree that treatment of RSE necessitates the use of continuous infusion intravenous anesthetic drugs such as midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital, thiopental, and ketamine, each of which has its own unique characteristics. This review compares the various anesthetic agents while providing an approach to their use in adult patients, along with possible associated complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Critical Care Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. mr3513@cumc.columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Reznik
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA. kab9098@nyp.org.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: Department of Critical Care Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. jc1439@cumc.columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Claassen
keywords: IV anesthetics; refractory status epilepticus; status epilepticus