Status Epilepticus: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus (SE) is characterized by the presence of prolonged seizures or the absence of returning to a normal level of consciousness between episodes, and it is one of the most important life-threatening neurological emergencies. This study examined the etiological features, EEG findings, and accompanying comorbid conditions of SE patients.
METHODS: SE patients followed up in the neurology clinic between January 2014 and June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic data, seizure type, EEG findings, anti-seizure medications, and comorbid conditions were evaluated.
RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the study. The study was continued with 45 patients (24 female, 21 male) as there were missing data in the files of 17 patients. The most common type of seizure at presentation was convulsive SE (CSE) (88.8%). It was observed that 38 of 45 patients had a known diagnosis of epilepsy (84%), and levetiracetam was the most preferred anti-seizure medication, followed by valproic acid. The most common comorbid condition was infections (35.5%). The mean hospitalization for SE was 11.7 days. The most common EEG pattern was paroxysmal slow waves (25.6%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: SE is a neurological condition that can affect epilepsy patients of all ages and requires rapid intervention due to the high risk of mortality and morbidity. It is important to determine the etiology and maintain effective treatment of SE to prevent recurrent SE.