HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Crawford, T. O. Articles by Snodgrass, S. R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Crawford, T. O. Articles by Snodgrass, S. R.

Lorazepam in childhood status epilepticus and serial seizures

Effectiveness and tachyphylaxis

Department of Neurology, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

We report our experience with 300 consecutive parenteral doses of lorazepam (LOR) for status epilepticus (SE) or serial seizures in 77 children and young adults. The median dose for SE in children less than 12 years old was 0.10 mg/kg. LOR stopped the SE in 79% and diminished the intensity of SE in an additional 4%. Prior acute or chronic anticonvulsant use (excepting chronic benzodiazepines) did not alter effectiveness or increase side effects. Duration of freedom from seizures following acute therapy was independent of LOR dosage. In patients requiring sequential doses, LOR becomes progressively less effective. Side effects were few and, when present, always associated with a single or first dose in a series. LOR is a safe and effective acute anticonvulsant agent for in-hospital control of SE in the pediatric age group. Tachyphylaxis of anticonvulsant action occurs when serial doses are used.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Mitchell, Neurology Division, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. PO Box 54700, Los Angeles, CA 90054.

Received April 2, 1986. Accepted for publication June 13, 1986.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. S. Goraya, V. Virdi, and V. Parmar Recurrent Nocturnal Tongue Biting in a Child With Hereditary Chin Trembling J Child Neurol, November 1, 2006; 21(11): 985 - 987. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. E. Gamaldo and C. J. Earley Restless legs syndrome: a clinical update. Chest, November 1, 2006; 130(5): 1596 - 1604. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. G. Mitchell Status Epilepticus and Acute Serial Seizures in Children J Child Neurol, January 1, 2002; 17(1_suppl): S36 - S43. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. L. Gilbert and T. A. Glauser Complications and Costs of Treatment of Refractory Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children J Child Neurol, September 1, 1999; 14(9): 597 - 601. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. L. Gilbert, P. S. Gartside, and T. A. Glauser Efficacy and Mortality in Treatment of Refractory Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children: A Meta-Analysis J Child Neurol, September 1, 1999; 14(9): 602 - 609. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. M. Treiman, P. D. Meyers, N. Y. Walton, J. F. Collins, C. Colling, A. J. Rowan, A. Handforth, E. Faught, V. P. Calabrese, B. M. Uthman, et al. A Comparison of Four Treatments for Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus N. Engl. J. Med., September 17, 1998; 339(12): 792 - 798. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Maytal, G. P. Novak, and K. C. King Lorazepam in the Treatment of Refractory Neonatal Seizures J Child Neurol, October 1, 1991; 6(4): 319 - 323. [Abstract] [PDF]