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Convulsive Status Epilepticus Paediatric Trial (CONSEPT)

This study aims to determine whether intravenous (IV) levetiracetam or IV phenytoin is the better second line treatment for the emergency management of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children. We hypothesise that children treated with IV levetiracetam for CSE will do better than children treated with IV phenytoin in terms of time to clinical cessation of seizure activity, need for intubation for ongoing seizure management, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, serious adverse events, length of hospital stay, health care costs, and long term outcome. This research will be the first randomised controlled trial of second line anticonvulsant medication for paediatric CSE thus strengthening the evidence-based approach to the management of this life-threatening condition.

Study design

Randomised controlled trial

Chief Investigator

Stuart Dalziel

Time frame

2013 – 2017

Funding

  • The Health Research Council in New Zealand
  • A+ Trust, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Emergency Medicine Foundation
  • Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
  • Eric Ormond Baker Charitable Fund

Site locations

  • Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Kidz First Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
  • Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, Australia.
  • Monash Childrens Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
  • Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
  • Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Mater Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Gold Coast Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
  • Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, Australia.
  • Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
  • John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia.
  • Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.

Sample

200 children aged 3 months – 16 years, presenting with CSE

Clinical trial registrations

Click here

Contact

SDalziel@adhb.govt.nz