Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a common neurological emergency in children, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This condition is defined as > 5 minutes of continuous or recurrent generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity without regaining consciousness. GCSE requires immediate evaluation and management in order to control ongoing seizures.~According to most guidelines, benzodiazepines are the recommended first line antiseizure medication (ASMs). Second-line ASMs for benzodiazepines-refractory GCSE include multiple options, such as fosphenytoin/phenytoin, valproic acid, or levetiracetam. Last, refractory GCSE requires treatment with third-line ASMs, such as another second-line ASMs or infusion with thiopental, midazolam, pentobarbital, propofol, or ketamine.~However, about 35% of cases with GCSE are not controlled by benzodiazepines, and up to 40% of benzodiazepines-refractory GCSE don't respond to second-line ASMs. As GCSE persists for a longer time, it becomes more difficult to control with worse prognosis. Indeed, the effectiveness of benzodiazepines to control seizures decreases by 50% when given after 10-15 minutes of continuous seizures. Therefore, new ASMs or combinations are required for earlier control of seizures, which will contribute to better outcome. Combination of benzodiazepines with another ASM that has a different mechanism of action may be a promising option for faster control of GCSE. One of the potential drugs for such combination is ketamine.~Several adult and pediatric studies have shown effectiveness of ketamine in refractory and super-refractory GCSE. Unlike benzodiazepines that act through inhibitory Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist for N- methyl- d- aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which mediates excitatory glutamate action. Continuous seizure activity is associated with internalization of GABA receptors and upregulation of NMDA receptors.~A number of animal studies have demonstrated synergistic action of combined ketamine and benzodiazepines for status epilepticus. While combined ketamine and benzodiazepines have been used in pediatric sedation/analgesia, there are limited studies on such combination for children with GCSE.~In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketamine plus midazolam versus midazolam alone as first-line therapy of pediatric GCSE.
Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a common neurological emergency in children. Benzodiazepines are the recommended first line antiseizure medication (ASMs), but they fail to control seizures in a third of cases. Combination of benzodiazepines with another ASM that has a different mechanism of action may be a promising option for faster control of GCSE. In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketamine plus midazolam versus midazolam alone as first-line therapy of pediatric GCSE.