Abstracts

RATIONALE: The ketogenic diet can be used in the management of pediatric patients who suffer from seizures recalcitrant to traditional antiepileptic agents. We examined whether rectally administered diazepam might reduce seizures and improve patient outcome and caregiver comfort when given as an adjunct to the ketogenic diet. METHODS : The effect of rectal diazepam on prolonged seizures, seizure clusters, the number of ER visits, and caregiver comfort levels was evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: Six of ten caregivers who responded administered rectal diazepam to their patient. The average patient age was 6.6 yr. Four of six patients experienced a 50% to 100% reduction in ER visits. Results are summarized in the table below. In terms of adverse events, four of six patients reported somnolence, one reported irritability, and another reported diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal diazepam was effective in acute seizure management. Caregivers reported a high level of comfort in using the drug. Rectally administered diazepam appears to have both therapeutic and economic benefits.