Abstract
Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is defined as persistence of seizure activity despite appropriate medical and antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. Febrile RSE is often caused by presumed encephalitis and has a high morbidity rate. In addition, it is believed that hyperthermia aggravates epileptic brain damage. The efficacy of hypothermia/normothermia (H/N) therapy against brain damage has been proposed, but there have been limited studies reporting on the efficacy of this treatment against febrile RSE. To study the efficacy of induced H/N with general anesthesia therapy in children with febrile RSE, a retrospective review of RSE cases was conducted in 28 children hospitalized in the tertiary pediatric intensive care center of Kobe Children's Hospital, Japan, between October 2002 and August 2009. Clinical outcomes and neurological sequelae using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale (PCPC) score were compared after one month of treatment with either H/N (34°C-36°C) with general anesthesia therapy or with other conventional therapies. Cases were categorized as those with good recovery (PCPC=1) or poor outcome (PCPC=2-6). Twelve children underwent H/N with general anesthesia therapy, while 16 children were treated by conventional therapy using intravenous diazepam and/or midazolam. Treatment with H/N significantly improved outcome compared to conventional therapies (p=0.024; Fisher's exact test). Five of 6 patients with poor outcome had a final diagnosis of acute encephalopathy with febrile convulsive status epilepticus (AEFCSE). Treatment with H/N therapy may reduce neurological damage in the development of AEFCSE caused by febrile RSE in children.
