METHODS

Data sources

Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Database of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, and reference lists.

Study selection and assessment

randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any anticonvulsant drug with placebo or another anticonvulsant drug in patients with premonitory, early stage, established, or refractory SE. Quality assessment of individual studies included randomisation method, baseline comparability of groups, blinding, and intention to treat analysis.

Outcomes

outcomes included development of SE, death, continuation of seizures, continuation of SE requiring use of a different drug or general anaesthesia for control, long term disabling sequelae, and …