Relationship between continuous EEG monitoring findings and prognostic factors in patients with status epilepticus

Little information is available regarding the use of continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring findings to predict the prognosis of patients with status epilepticus, which could aid in prognostication. This study investigated the relationship between cEEG monitoring findings and various prognostic indicators in patients with status epilepticus.

We reviewed the clinical profiles and cEEG monitoring data of 28 patients with status epilepticus over a ten-year period. Patient demographics, etiology, EEG features, duration of hospital stay, number of antiseizure medications, and outcome measures were analyzed. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which evaluates the degree of daily living impairment and dependence on others resulting from neurological injury.

Patients exhibiting electrographic status epilepticus (ESE) demonstrated significantly longer duration of status epilepticus (77.75 ± 58.25 vs. 39.86 ± 29.81 h, p = 0.024) and total length of hospital stay (13.00 ± 6.14 vs. 8.14 ± 5.66 days, p = 0.038) when compared to those with ictal-interictal continuum (IIC). Individuals who displayed any increase in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score between their premorbid state and discharge also had significantly longer duration of status epilepticus (74.09 ± 34.94 vs. 51.56 ± 54.25 h, p = 0.041) and total length of hospital stay (15.89 ± 6.05 vs. 8.05 ± 4.80 days, p = 0.004) when compared to those who showed no difference. The most prevalent etiology of status epilepticus in our study was chronic structural brain lesions.

This suggests that ESE may serve as a predictor of prolonged duration of status epilepticus and increased hospitalization among patients with status epilepticus.