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Use of ketamine in Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: a systematic review

Aayush Adhikari, Sushil Kumar Yadav, Gaurav Nepal, Roshan Aryal, Pratik Baral, Peter Neupane, Aadesh Paudel, B. Pantha et al.

Neurological Research and Practice, 2024

336 participants · 21 citations

Abstract

Objective This review specifically investigates ketamine’s role in SRSE management. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to May 1st, 2023, for English-language literature. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on SRSE in humans of all ages and genders treated with ketamine. Results In this systematic review encompassing 19 studies with 336 participants, age ranged from 9 months to 86 years. Infections, anoxia, and metabolic issues emerged as the common causes of SRSE, while some cases had unknown origins, termed as NORSE (New Onset RSE) or FIRESs (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome). Most studies categorized SRSE cases into convulsive ( N = 105) and non-convulsive ( N = 197). Ketamine was used after failed antiepileptics and anesthetics in 17 studies, while in others, it was a first or second line of treatment. Dosages varied from 0.5 mg/kg (bolus) and 0.2-15 mg/kg/hour (maintenance) in adults and 1-3 mg/kg (bolus) and 0.5-3 mg/kg/hour (maintenance) in pediatrics, lasting one to 30 days. Ketamine was concurrently used with other drugs in 40–100% of cases, most frequently propofol and midazolam. Seizure resolution rate varied from 53.3 to 91% and 40–100% in larger ( N = 42–68) and smaller case series ( N = 5–20) respectively. Seizure resolution occurred in every case of case report except in one in which the patient died. Burst suppression in EEG was reported in 12 patients from two case series and two case reports.…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 336 participants or records.

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