Study on the efficacy of midazolam treating status epilepticus in adults

Objective To observe the efficacy of midazolam given as a continuous infusion in the treatment of status epilepticus (SE) in adults. Methods Twenty-three adults with SE received a bolus of midazolam 0.1 mg/kg intravenously,followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 mg/( kg·h). When the episode of seizures continued, a second bolus of midazolam 0.1 mg/kg was given intravenously, and the dose in continuous infusion was increased by 0.05 mg/( kg·h) until the seizures were brought undercontrol. When the totoal amount of dose reached 0.6 mg/(kg·h)and the episode continued, it was reckoned ineffective andno more dose was given. When the episode disappeared for 24 hours, the dose was decresed by 0.05 ～ 0.1 mg/( kg·h) every 12 hours until it ends. Meanwhile, all patients were given one to three kinds of anti-epileptic and the primary affection and related syndrome was treated accordingly. Results The midazolam worked effectively in 13 patients,and had effect on7 patients;no effect was in 3 patients. The efficacy rate came to 86.96％. Three of he patientsgot a low blood pressure and recoverd after given a small dose of dopamine and relevant fluid infusion ;the respiration rate of two patients slowed and was not given treatment for their oxygen saturation remained above 90％.Conclusion Midazolam is an effective and safe drug to control refractory seizures in adults with SE. Key words: Midazolam; Status epilepticus; Treatment