Comparing the Effect of Intravenous Midazolam with Rectal Sodium Valproate in Controlling of Children with Refractory Status Epilepticus

Background: Refractory status epilepticus usually defined as a seizure lasting at least 60 minutes which is uncontrollable by Diazepam, Phenytoin, or Phenobarbital. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of interavenous Midazolam and rectal Sodium valproate in controlling refractory status epilepticus.
 Methods: In this case-control study; 76 children with (mean age of 37± 20 months) with refractory status epilepticus were randomly divided into two groups to receive IV Midazolam and rectal Sodium Valproate. The effect of the two drugs were compared in control of seizure during first 20 minutes of treatment.
 Results: In 84.2 percent of children treated with IV Midazolam, the seizure was under control within 4.5 ± 0.5 minutes, while in 63 percent of those receiving Sodium Valproate, the seizure was completely controlled within 16.5 ± 0.8 minutes (P < 0.00001).
 Conclusion: The IV Midazolam was more effective than Sodium valproate, but the latter can be used in hospitals or pediatric emergency wards without ICU for controlling of refractory status epilepticus.
 Key words: refractory status epilepticus, midazolam, sodium valproat