Bumetanide reduces seizure progression and the development of pharmacoresistant status epilepticus

GABAergic neurotransmission depends on KCC1 and NKCC2 Cl− co-transporters; a dysfunction in these co-transporters is seen in neonatal seizures. Bumetanide – a drug that blocks NKCC1 chloride cotransporters – has been shown to be beneficial in seizures in neonates. In the current study, the authors wanted to test whether bumetanide would be useful in status epilepticus (SE) by using brain slice electrophysiology and in vivo EEG experiments. Administration of bumetanide reduced seizure-like events induced by zero-Mg+², and in intact mice by administration of kainic acid. As seizures progressed, diazepam led to pharmacoresistance, which bumetanide was able to overcome. Hence, this study suggests that there might be a new indication of bumetanide in SE.

Summary for non-specialists