[Non specific treatment of status epilepticus]

The systemic consequences of status epilepticus occur in two stages: the first stage is a hyperadrenergic period (high blood pressure, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hyperventilation, hypermetabolism, hyperthermia), the second stage a collapsus period, sometimes with acute circulatory failure, and hypoxemia. Symptomatic resuscitation aimed at restoring vital functions should be undertaken. Resuscitation must be started immediately before hospital transfer, by a trained emergency team. Respiratory care includes at least oxygen intake, but it can also require oral intubation (crash induction) and mechanical ventilation. The arterial blood gas objectives are SaO(2)> or =95%, and 35mmHg< or =PaCO(2)< or =40mmHg. Fluid and electrolyte care includes intravenous infusion of normal saline, with control of sodium and calcium levels as well as blood pH within normal limits. Heart rate and blood pressure must be monitored. Mean blood pressure must be kept between 70 and 90mmHg, first by means of plasma volume expansion, and then norepinephrine if necessary. Hyperthermia must be corrected to prevent further neuronal damage. Cerebromeningeal sepsis should be ruled out. Capillary glucose (most often elevated) must be corrected using a pre-established insulin infusion algorithm. Rhabdomyolysis is rare, but can result in hyperkaliemia, acidosis, and acute renal failure. In case of associated intracranial hypertension (traumatic, vascular or infectious injury), status epilepticus is considered as a secondary insult for the brain, that can worsen neuronal damage. Numerous compounds have experimental neuroprotective properties, but none have proven significant efficacy in clinical conditions. Nevertheless, convulsion cessation is considered as a neuroprotective measure.