Review of the new Advanced Pediatric Life Support guideline (2021): Management of the convulsing child

Abstract

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common childhood medical neurological emergency. A convulsion lasting more than 5 minutes is considered prolonged and will often require treatment to aid termination. If a convulsion persists beyond 30 minutes, it is associated with increased risk of death and long-term neurological consequences. However, the main predictor of outcome is the underlying aetiology. The duration of the convulsion is also important with medical treatments, particularly benzodiazepines, becoming less effective with increasing duration. Effective early intervention is crucial to outcome. The proposed guideline is set to provide an updated evidence-based structured approach on how to manage the convulsing child in the UK.