Lorazepam in status epilepticus.

Lorazepam, a dichloro-3-hydroxy-1,4-benzodiazepine, has been shown to be a potent anticonvulsant in animal models of epilsepsy and has minimal depressant effects on respiration and circulation in humans. The effects of this compound were studied in status epilepticus. Twenty-five patients were given intravenous lorazepam during status epilepticus of varying cause. Four or 8 mg of the drug controlled status in 22 of the 25 patients. Although single seizures recurred in 5 of the 22 patients, none experienced recurrence of status during a prolonged follow-up period. Transient respiratory arrest occurred in 1 patient, but no other significant complications were observed. Studies of plasma drug levels suggest that most patients attain good seizure control at concentrations between 30 and 100 ng per milliliter. Clinical observations indicate that repetitive injections are not required for continuing control of seizures in patients whose seizures are initially controlled. Lorazepam appears to be an effective and safe drug for treatment of status epilepticus, with a duration of control longer than that achieved with diazepam.

Cerebral cysticercosis.

A case of cerebral cysticercosis in an American child is described. The patient was only 2 years old and had never left the United States. Her symptoms began with febrile seizures and progressed to focal motor seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis with eosinophilia, candle-guttering of the walls of the ventricles on pneumoencephalography, and a titer of 1:4,096 against cysticercosis antigen in her blood led to the diagnosis. Over a five-year follow-up period, the patient's course has been one of resolution of her symptoms, improvement in her electroencephalogram, and excellent seizure control with anticonvulsant therapy. Cysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child who shows CSF pleocytosis with eosinophilia, particularly if accompanied by focal seizures.