Controlling seizures in the prehospital setting: diazepam or midazolam?

OBJECTIVE: To determine which is the most effective and safe treatment for controlling seizures in children out-of-hospital: diazepam or midazolam. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of children presenting to the Emergency Department of the Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW-ED) with seizures requiring treatment in the field by paramedics was carried out over a 4-year period (April 1996 to March 2000). In New South Wales, children with seizures in the prehospital setting received 0.5 mg/kg per rectum (p.r.) or 0.1 mg/kg i.v. diazepam until March 1998 and from March 1997 onwards they received 0.15 mg/kg i.m. or 0.1 mg/kg i.v. midazolam. The main outcome measured was cessation of seizure in the prehospital setting. Secondary outcomes were time taken to initiate treatment and the frequency of cardiorespiratory compromise. RESULTS: Over the 4-year period, 2566 children presented to CHW-ED with a seizure; 107 children were eligible for entry into the present study. Of these 107 patients, 62 received diazepam and 45 received midazolam. Thirty-one (50.0%) in the diazepam group and 15 (33.3%) in the midazolam group were febrile seizures. Both groups were similar in terms of demographics and seizure type. A comparison of diazepam with midazolam showed that both drugs were effective in stopping seizures within 5 min of drug administration (37.1% cf. 51.1%). Fewer patients in the midazolam group suffered apnoea (20.0% cf. 29.0%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Midazolam controls seizures as effectively as diazepam in the prehospital setting. Furthermore, midazolam potentially reduces respiratory depression and time to treatment.

Fatal asthma or anaphylaxis?

The incidence of anaphylaxis is under-reported. Children with asthma are frequently atopic and prone to allergic reactions. Parents and clinicians may attribute wheeze of rapid onset to acute severe asthma, rather than recognising an anaphylactic event. Two cases of fatal anaphylaxis are reported who were initially diagnosed as acute severe asthma, and responded poorly to bronchodilator treatment. Survivors of "acute asphyxic asthma" should be screened for reactions to common allergens that provoke anaphylactic reactions. Even if no provoking factor is identified, the asthma management plan of children who survive an episode of acute asphyxic asthma should include intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) in addition to conventional bronchodilators.