UVA researchers aim to stop deadly seizures with nationwide ketamine trial
CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WRIC) -- The University of Virginia (UVA) is spearheading a nationwide clinical trial exploring a new treatment option for prolonged seizures. Funded by a $9.3 million federal grant, researchers will test the effectiveness of anesthetic ketamine as an add-on therapy for grand mal seizures, offering hope for those who resist standard treatment. According to UVA, the seizures are typically treated with anticonvulsants called benzodiazepines. However, many patients – both adults and children – don’t respond to those drugs. The trial -- called the Ketamine add-on therapy for the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) -- is expected to begin this summer and is expected to take place at approximately 60 academic hospitals over the next several years. According to Dr. Jaideep Kapur, an epileptologist at UVA Health, the trial is designed for rapid enrollment. If a patient's grand mal seizure persists despite initial treatment at a participating hospital, they can be immediately enrolled and receive ketamine in addition to standard care. "Because it's an emergency trial, we don't have time to go through the detailed consent procedure before enrolling. We do that after they get the drug," Kapur said. The goal, according to Kapur, is to see if the extra treatment works in reducing patient ICU visits, brain damage and death. “Because of the danger to life and to the brain, we must treat these seizures and terminate them as soon as possible," Kapur said. Kapur said one potential side effect of ketamine is reduced breathing. "We will be watching out for it during the trial very carefully. and if the patient needs support for breathing, well, we'll be ready to do that," Kapur said. For more information on the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial click here.
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CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WRIC) -- The University of Virginia (UVA) is spearheading a nationwide clinical trial exploring a new treatment option for prolonged seizures.
Funded by a $9.3 million federal grant, researchers will test the effectiveness of anesthetic ketamine as an add-on therapy for grand mal seizures, offering hope for those who resist standard treatment.
According to UVA, the seizures are typically treated with anticonvulsants called benzodiazepines. However, many patients – both adults and children – don’t respond to those drugs.
The trial -- called the Ketamine add-on therapy for the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) -- is expected to begin this summer and is expected to take place at approximately 60 academic hospitals over the next several years.
According to Dr. Jaideep Kapur, an epileptologist at UVA Health, the trial is designed for rapid enrollment. If a patient's grand mal seizure persists despite initial treatment at a participating hospital, they can be immediately enrolled and receive ketamine in addition to standard care.
"Because it's an emergency trial, we don't have time to go through the detailed consent procedure before enrolling. We do that after they get the drug," Kapur said.
The goal, according to Kapur, is to see if the extra treatment works in reducing patient ICU visits, brain damage and death.
“Because of the danger to life and to the brain, we must treat these seizures and terminate them as soon as possible," Kapur said.
Kapur said one potential side effect of ketamine is reduced breathing.
"We will be watching out for it during the trial very carefully. and if the patient needs support for breathing, well, we'll be ready to do that," Kapur said.
For more information on the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial click here.
