Simpler, age-based seizure medicine dosing for kids in ambulances
Pediatric Dose Optimization for Seizures in EMS (PediDOSE)
This project uses simple age-based midazolam doses given by paramedics to stop seizures in children before they reach the emergency room.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my child has a seizure and 911 is called, paramedics will give a standardized age-based dose of midazolam through the nose or as a muscle injection instead of doing weight calculations. The program is being rolled out across 20 EMS systems nationwide to see whether this approach stops seizures faster and more reliably. Study teams will record whether seizures stop before arrival to the ED, breathing problems, and any medication side effects. The aim is to reduce dosing errors, speed treatment, and lower the chance of seizure-related brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children aged 0–11 years who are actively seizing and treated by paramedics in one of the participating EMS systems are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children not treated by participating EMS agencies, adults, or those whose seizures are managed only in outpatient settings are unlikely to be included or to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help paramedics stop seizures faster in children and reduce the risk of breathing problems and brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Benzodiazepines like midazolam are known to stop seizures, but large, prehospital trials of simplified age-based dosing are limited and this implementation approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Manish Ishwar — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Shah, Manish Ishwar
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.