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Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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Incidence and outcome of convulsive status epilepticus in Kenyan children: a cohort study

Manish Sadarangani1, Claire Seaton, J Anthony G Scott

  • 1Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya.

The Lancet. Neurology
|February 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in African children is often caused by infection. Early management and infection prevention are key to reducing childhood CSE incidence and improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a frequent pediatric neurological emergency, particularly in regions with high febrile illness rates like sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Understanding the specific epidemiology of CSE in this region is crucial due to potential links with febrile illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, causes, and outcomes of childhood CSE in a sub-Saharan African setting.
  • To identify risk factors associated with mortality and neurological sequelae in pediatric CSE cases.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted in a Kenyan rural district hospital between March and June 2006, analyzing CSE admissions from 2002-2003.
  • Confirmed and probable CSE cases were identified, and incidence was estimated using demographic surveillance data.
  • Multivariable analysis was employed to assess risk factors for death and neurological sequelae.

Main Results:

  • Of 388 CSE episodes, 71% were infection-related. Confirmed CSE incidence was 35 per 100,000 children/year, highest in infants and toddlers.
  • Mortality was 15% in-hospital and 21% long-term. Neurological sequelae affected 12% of children.
  • In-hospital mortality was linked to bacterial meningitis and focal onset seizures; neurological sequelae were associated with hypoglycemia and younger age.

Conclusions:

  • Infections are a primary driver of childhood CSE in this region.
  • Preventing infections and ensuring prompt seizure management are critical for reducing CSE incidence and improving patient outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract

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