Home use of rectal diazepam to prevent status epilepticus in children with convulsive disorders.

Thirty families were taught to administer rectal liquid diazepam to their children to stop a seizure at home. Twelve children had previous prolonged afebrile seizures, and 18 had either prolonged or repeated febrile seizures. During follow-up, 17 of the 30 families administered the rectal diazepam an average of three times per child with no complications. Fifteen of 17 families reported prompt cessation of the seizure, while in two the rectal diazepam was unsuccessful and hospital treatment was needed. We conclude that rectal diazepam is a useful adjunctive home treatment for children at risk for prolonged seizures. Hospitalization is decreased and parental confidence increased. Without our knowledge, twelve families taught others how to give the rectal diazepam, a practice that might be hazardous and should be anticipated.