Investigating the role of ketogenic therapy for refractory status epilepticus in the intensive care unit

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE), is a rare neurological emergency, characterised by continuing or recurrent seizures despite initial pharmacological treatment. Ineffective treatment of RSE leading to super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is associated with a high mortality. Many survivors experience irreversible neurological disability. Ketogenic therapy is a well-established treatment for epilepsy. This proposed research aims to investigate the role of ketogenic therapy as a potential novel treatment for RSE in the ICU setting. This project will involve developing a greater understanding of the feasibility of delivering a nutrition-based intervention for RSE, strategies to optimise nutrition delivery, the impact of ketogenic therapy on nutritional outcomes, and investigation into the potential mechanisms of action. You will be working with a multidisciplinary team research teams across the Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and the Alfred Hospital. Essential criteria: - Minimum entry requirements can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum - Qualification providing eligibility for full membership of Dietitians' Australia and participation in the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program. Desirable skills - Clinical experience in critical care nutrition and/or neurosciences - Experience in the design and conduct of clinical trials