Stiripentol for the treatment of super-refractory status epilepticus

To determine whether stiripentol (STP) might be a treatment option in super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE).

Medical records of patients treated due to a status epilepticus in Marburg between January 2013 and June 2014 were reviewed for administration of STP. Primary outcome measures were resolution of SE after initiation of STP.

Five adult patients were started with STP due to SRSE. The median age was 78 years (interquartile range [IQR] 11 years), and four patients were female. The median duration of SRSE before initiation of STP was 39 days (IQR 16 days), and the median number of anticonvulsants used before was 6 (IQR 1). SRSE ceased in three patients within 2-4 days after the start of STP. In two patients, SRSE continued after administration of STP and further escalation of anticonvulsant regimen. Both were switched eventually to supportive care only. None serious side effects were observed while on STP.

Based on our presented cases and previous experimental animal data, STP may prove useful in treating super-refractory SE. Prospective trials are warranted to examine the efficacy of the STP in adults with refractory SE and to examine whether earlier treatment leads to better control of SE.