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Status epilepticus: aetiology and outcome in children

Tahir Saeed Siddiqui1, Anis-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Ali Jan

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan. tahirsaeeds@hotmail.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|July 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Convulsing Status Epilepticus (CSE) is a frequent pediatric emergency. Acute viral encephalitis is a primary cause in young children, necessitating earlier antiviral treatment alongside SE management to reduce mortality and morbidity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Convulsing Status Epilepticus (CSE) presents a significant challenge in pediatric emergency care, particularly affecting infants under 24 months.
  • Understanding the etiological factors and outcomes of CSE is crucial for improving patient management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the primary causes of Status Epilepticus (SE) in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the in-hospital outcomes, including mortality and neurological complications, associated with SE.
  • To identify risk factors and contribute to evidence-based management strategies for pediatric SE.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study was conducted on 125 children aged 2 months to 15 years admitted with their first episode of SE.
  • Data collection involved detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, recorded on a specialized Performa.
  • The study spanned a two-year period from November 2005 to November 2007 at the Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.

Main Results:

  • Acute febrile illnesses were the leading cause of SE, with acute viral encephalitis being predominant in children under 24 months, followed by febrile convulsions.
  • The study recorded a mortality rate of 12% (15 patients) and neurological complications in 8% (10 cases) due to brain injury.
  • Mean seizure duration showed variations across outcome groups, though correlations with age and outcome were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Status Epilepticus (SE) is a critical pediatric emergency associated with substantial mortality and morbidity.
  • Acute viral encephalitis is a key etiological factor in young children experiencing SE.
  • Early initiation of antiviral therapy, alongside appropriate SE management, is recommended for young children diagnosed with SE to improve outcomes.
Abstract

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