United Kingdom is testing new medication delivery system

Lexingtonians rushed to the emergency room because of a seizure may soon be part of a clinical trial.

The trial, which the University of Kentucky is leading locally, will examine whether anti-seizure medication can be delivered faster with an auto-injector – a spring-loaded, single-dose syringe – than the traditional IV method.

“IVs can be hard to start quickly in patients who are seizing violently,” said Dr. Roger Humphries, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UK. UK is one of 17 medical institutions nationwide participating in the study.

Normally clinical trials require participants to give consent. However, in this case, study participants won’t be able to consent; they’ll be in the midst of a seizure. The trial is being operated under an FDA exception that requires UK to educate residents about the study. In addition, the medical center is offering opt-out bracelets for those who do not want to participate.

The trial is expected to begin within the next month.

Study participants will be given one of two medications – Lorazepam and Midazolam.
Both medications are already used to stop seizures.

Residents can get more information about the study or request an opt-out bracelet by calling (859)257-6703.