Propofol and thiopental for refractory status epilepticus in children.

To assess safety and efficacy of propofol and thiopental for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) in children, the authors reviewed 34 episodes of RSE. Thiopental was effective in most patients, but there were serious side effects. Propofol was used according to a strict protocol. It was effective in most patients, so that thiopental was not needed. Side effects were infrequent, of minor severity, and fully reversible. The authors suggest the use of propofol before thiopental.