Multimodal neurological approach can lead the treatment in postcardiac arrest persistent refractory status epilepticus

Minerva Anestesiol. 2015 Jun;81(6):645-9. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a common challenge in the setting of post resuscitation care. We describe how multimodal neurological approach can lead treatment and improve the prognosis. We report on three survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) who had good neurological outcomes after mild hypothermia (TH), despite exhibiting persisting RSE requiring treatment with several antiepileptic (AED) and anesthetic drugs, including barbiturate-induced coma. No evidence-based data exist to guide management of RSE in the setting of anoxic brain injury. Our cases emphasize the need for continuous active treatment led by a multimodal approach in order to improve neurological outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Status Epilepticus / complications
  • Status Epilepticus / therapy*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants