Role of thiopentone infusion for management of intractable status epilepicus in pediatric patients

Introduction: Intractable status epilepticus not responding to conventional pharmacotherapy is a medical emergency. Rapid termination of seizures with prompt control of airway to ensure oxygenation, prevent aspiration, and minimize permanent neurological damage is the mainstay of management. Deeper suppression of cortical activity, documented electro cerebral silence and titrable length of time during which such electrocerebral silence can be maintained, make thiopentone the ideal drug for initial management of status epilepticus(1,2). Long lasting anti-epileptic drug regimen can be established during thiopentone induced burst suppression, which can then be tapered and discontinued with minimal chances of recurrence. We present our experience with 21 pediatric patients ranging from 1 1⁄2 -16 years old admitted to intensive care unit in status epilepticus, treated with continuous thiopentone infusion.