What is this study studying for refractory status epilepticus after cardiac arrest?

This study is investigating two different EEG-guided anesthetic treatment approaches for controlling refractory status epilepticus in patients who have survived a cardiac arrest. Researchers want to determine which EEG target—burst suppression or seizure suppression—is safer and more feasible for treating this condition. The University of California, San Francisco is leading this clinical trial.

Who may be eligible for this refractory status epilepticus clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older who have had a non-traumatic cardiac arrest outside of a hospital and are currently unconscious may be eligible. Participants must have return of spontaneous circulation within 45 minutes, be admitted to an intensive care unit, and have confirmed refractory status epilepticus by EEG within seven days after resuscitation. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this refractory status epilepticus clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study drug or procedure and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses and other costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05851391

Study Comparing Two EEG-Guided Anesthetic Treatments for Refractory Status Epilepticus After Cardiac Arrest RESTORE

Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2026-07-29

Participants Needed

Research Sites

21 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the safety and feasibility of two different EEG-guided anesthetic treatment targets for patients who develop refractory status epilepticus after surviving a cardiac arrest. This randomized clinical trial focuses on adults who remain unconscious after return of spontaneous circulation and experience seizures that do not respond to standard anti-seizure medications. The study aims to compare burst suppression versus seizure suppression strategies using continuous EEG monitoring to control seizures in this critical condition. Participants are randomly assigned to receive intravenous anesthesia targeted either to burst suppression, which suppresses most of the EEG background activity, or to seizure suppression, which aims to stop seizures without extensive suppression of EEG background. Each treatment target is maintained for 24 hours and can be repeated once if seizures recur. After the treatment period, anesthetic medication is gradually reduced while monitoring continues. The study enrolls 30 subjects, with equal numbers in each treatment group. During the trial, participants are continuously monitored with EEG to guide anesthetic dosing and assess seizure control. Researchers track safety measures such as blood pressure, metabolic complications, and neurological outcomes using scales like the Cerebral Performance Category and modified Rankin Scale at discharge and up to 180 days. Seizure recurrence, treatment intensity, and neurological function over time are also recorded to evaluate the treatments. Participants are closely observed for potential risks related to anesthetic use, and the overall study duration spans two years.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

buRst-supprESsion TO Stop Refractory Status Epilepticus Post-cardiac Arrest

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adults aged 18 years or older
Non-traumatic, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Comatose on admission, defined as not following commands
Return of spontaneous circulation within 45 minutes
Admitted to an intensive care unit
Diagnosis of post-cardiac arrest refractory status epilepticus confirmed by continuous EEG within 7 days from return of spontaneous circulation

You will not qualify if you...

Acute cerebral hemorrhage or infarction
Pregnancy
Prisoners

Research Team

Edilberto Amorim, MD

Kevin Bao

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