A comparison of lorazepam and diazepam as initial therapy in convulsive status epilepticus

Previous trials have suggested lorazepam may be superior to diazepam as first-line treatment of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), with improved seizure outcome, and a lower incidence of side-effects. Many published guidelines however still recommend diazepam.

To compare the efficacy, safety and cost of lorazepam compared to diazepam, in adults with CSE.

Retrospective case note audit.

Cases of CSE were retrospectively identified over two 18-month periods either side of the introduction of a new management protocol in May 1997, in which lorazepam 4 mg i.v. was substituted for diazepam 10 mg i.v. as first-line treatment for CSE. Diagnostic codes for all admissions and casualty presentations of patients over 16 years of age were examined for primary or secondary codes including 'epilepsy', 'fits' or 'status epilepticus'. Medical records and casualty notes were reviewed to identify CSE cases. Treatment groups were compared using ANOVA and a Tukey post hoc analysis. Treatment success was defined as cessation of seizures without recurrence in the subsequent 12 h.

In both premonitory and established CSE, both drugs were equally effective at terminating seizures, but significantly fewer seizure recurrences followed lorazepam, and fewer repeat doses were needed. There were no differences in reported adverse events or in drug costs.

We recommend that lorazepam be the first-line therapy in preference to diazepam in adults with CSE.