[Efficacy of therapy, recurrence of seizures and respiratory complications in the treatment of status epilepticus by intravenous administration of diazepam or midazolam].

During a nine-month period we have treated 46 patients with status epilepticus with intravenous application of diazepam or midazolam. The initial doze od diazepam was 10 mg (rate: 2-5 mg/min) and of midazolam 15 mg (rate: 5 mg/min). Diazepam was effective in 26 and ineffective in 15 patients. Midazolam stopped status in 4 out of 7 patients. Both drugs were more effective when they were administered at the beginning of status. After the initial termination of status and recovering of consciousness, seizures returned in 10 patients (22%). In the group treated with diazepam, 4 patients had sudden apnea and 6 respiratory depression (totally 10 out of 41). In the group treated with midazolam, 3 had apnea and 2 respiratory depression (totally 5 out of 7). All patients with apnea or respiratory depression received higher doses of both drugs at the higher rates than the others. We conclude that the efficacy of the therapy is moderate while the frequency of serious complications is high. In status epilepticus, where the life of patient is in danger, drugs with such activity are of limited value.