PHYSICIAN CLINICAL EXPERIENCES AND IMPRESSIONS WITH DIAZEPAM RECTAL GEL
Abstract number :
1.308
Submission category :
Year :
2003
Submission ID :
1068
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2003, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Anthony Marmarou, John M. Pellock Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA; Department of Neurology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
By allowing patients and caregivers to treat seizure emergencies without seeking additional medical attention, diazepam rectal gel (Diastat[reg]) has great potential to improve patient and caregiver confidence and quality of life. Additionally, use of the drug can decrease the time to treatment in seizure emergencies, resulting in reduced risk of neuronal damage. This survey study evaluates physician clinical experiences with and impressions of diazepam rectal gel.
Surveys containing questions regarding the use and effectiveness of diazepam rectal gel were sent to 41 sites (all were members of the International Epilepsy Consortium). Survey responses were tabulated and summarized.
Thirteen sites returned their surveys, representing data from 33 physicians. Regarding the availability of diazepam rectal gel in their region, 10 respondents indicated it was available in emergency rooms (ERs), 7 respondents reported it was available on hospital floors, and 4 respondents said it was used by emergency squads. It is also used in epilepsy monitoring and intensive care units. Respondents indicated a variety of seizure emergencies for which diazepam rectal gel is used, including acute repetitive seizures, prolonged seizures, febrile seizures, clusters, status epilepticus, and during medication changes or withdrawal. Mean respondent estimate of the percentage of patients in which diazepam rectal gel is effective was 80.1% (range=50% to 96%, n=13). Respondent estimates indicated that a mean of 80.9% (range=50% to 90%, n=8) of patients and 85.2% (range=75% to 100%, n=10) of caregivers using diazepam rectal gel experienced improvement in control in their lives. All respondents felt that diazepam rectal gel improves the quality of life for patients and/or their caregivers. Additionally, all respondents reported that use of diazepam rectal gel reduced the number of ER visits for their patients; mean estimated reduction was 69.5% (range=25% to 93%, n=11).
These survey results demonstrate positive clinical experiences with, and favorable physician impressions of, diazepam rectal gel. Diazepam rectal gel allows for decreased time to treatment in seizure emergencies, and fewer ER visits. The cost savings, improved control, and quality of life improvements associated with diazepam rectal gel use are significant for patients with a variety of seizure emergencies.
[Supported by: Xcel Pharmaceuticals]