Protection Against Chemical Agent-Induced, Seizure-Related Neuronal Cell Death

摘要

Control of seizure activity is the most critical factor in development of brain damage following nerve agent poisoning. While seizure- related brain damage can be prevented by administration of an anticonvulsant drug, battlefield conditions may preclude prompt administration of the convulsant antidote for nerve agents (CANA). The currently fielded CANA is diazepam. Diazepam may not prevent or arrest seizures in all individuals. At the present time there is no capability for measuring seizure activity on the battlefield. Unconscious battlefield victims may undergo silent seizures without convulsive behavioral manifestations. Delays or failures to locate casualties are to be expected on a battlefield. Left untreated, seizures progress to status epilepticus and become more refractory to anticonvulsant therapy. There is a military need for neuroprotective adjunct drugs capable of preventing development of delayed neuronal cell death when administered one or more hours after onset of seizures.