Lacosamide in status epilepticus: Update on the TRENdS study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Epileptology

Background:

• Nonconvulsive seizures (NCSs) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are common in critically ill patients.
• The urgency and aggressiveness of treatment for NCSs/NCSE are debated, with some believing it differs from generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE).
• Efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for NCSs/NCSE lacks robust randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an update on the Treatment of Recurrent Electrographic Nonconvulsive Seizures (TRENdS) study.
• To compare the efficacy of lacosamide versus fosphenytoin in treating NCSs.

Main Methods:

• The TRENdS study was a randomized, controlled trial.
• Lacosamide was compared against fosphenytoin for the treatment of NCSs.

Main Results:

• Results comparing lacosamide and fosphenytoin for NCS treatment are presented.
• This update provides further insights into the TRENdS study findings.

Conclusions:

• The optimal treatment strategy for NCSs and NCSE in critical illness requires further investigation.
• RCTs are crucial for establishing evidence-based treatment guidelines for NCSs/NCSE.