Phenobarbital in Superrefractory Status Epilepticus (PIRATE): a retrospective, multicenter analysis.

We observed a high rate in attainment of seizure control in patients treated with PB. Success of treatment correlated with higher dosing and serum levels. However, as one would expect in a cohort of critically ill patients with prolonged ICU treatment, the rate of favorable clinical outcome at discharge from the NICU remained extremely low. Further prospective studies evaluating long term clinical outcome of PB-treatment as well as an earlier use of PB at higher dosages would be of value.