First-in-man allopregnanolone use in super-refractory status epilepticus.

Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment of SRSE is complicated by progressive cortical hyperexcitability believed to result in part from synaptic GABA receptor internalization and desensitization. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that positively modulates synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA receptors, has been proposed as a novel treatment.