Are Ketamine infusions a viable therapeutic option for refractory neonatal seizures?

Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist that works by binding to the phencyclidine binding site; thereby blocking influx of cations through the NMDA receptor channel. Its use to treat refractory status epilepticus in adults and older children is well documented. Maturational changes in neonatal NMDA and GABA receptor expression and function make NMDA receptor antagonists, like ketamine, attractive potential therapeutic agents for treatment of refractory seizures in the newborn. However, descriptions of its use in this age group are limited to two case reports.
Source: Pediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research