Pediatric super‐refractory status epilepticus treated with allopregnanolone. Issue 6 (11th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Broomall, Eileen; Natale, JoAnne E.; Grimason, Michele; Goldstein, Joshua; Smith, Craig M.; Chang, Celia; Kanes, Stephen; Rogawski, Michael A.; Wainwright, Mark S.
• Is Part Of: Annals of neurology. Volume 76:Issue 6(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 911
• Page End: 915
• Publication Date: 2014-11-11
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1002/ana.24295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0364-5134

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Super‐refractory status epilepticus is a life‐threatening condition. Resistance to benzodiazepine and barbiturate treatment for this disorder is thought to be due to internalization of synaptic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)_A receptors, and withdrawal of benzodiazepines and barbiturates during treatment often triggers seizure recurrence. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone acts as a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors. Here we describe the use of allopregnanolone in 2 pediatric patients with super‐refractory status epilepticus. This treatment allowed the general anesthetic infusions to be weaned with resolution of status epilepticus. This is the first report of allopregnanolone use to treat status epilepticus in children. Ann Neurol 2014;76:911–915</p> </abstract>