[A case of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome requiring prolonged intensive care management: a trial of intravenous ketamine and intrathecal dexamethasone therapy]

Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2022 Feb 19;62(2):123-129. doi: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001624. Epub 2022 Jan 31.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 16-year-old male was brought to the emergency room with fever and status epilepticus, and was diagnosed with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). Seizure control was not achieved and the patient developed multiple complications. Ketamine infusion therapy and intrathecal dexamethasone therapy were administered, in addition to other anti-seizure treatment and immunotherapy for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). The patient was weaned from the ventilator on day 170 and was able to live at home, although he continued to experience monthly focal motor seizures and moderate motor impairment. This case suggests that more aggressive treatment might be an option in FIRES with prolonged SRSE.

Keywords: dexamethasone; febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome; intrathecal; ketamine; super-refractory status epilepticus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Critical Care
  • Dexamethasone
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy*
  • Encephalitis* / complications
  • Epileptic Syndromes* / complications
  • Epileptic Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Ketamine*
  • Male
  • Seizures / complications
  • Status Epilepticus* / diagnosis
  • Status Epilepticus* / drug therapy
  • Status Epilepticus* / etiology

Substances

  • Ketamine
  • Dexamethasone