Convulsive status epilepticus in children: prognostic factors

Abstract

Background: Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is one of the most common childhood neurological emergencies. In Tunisia, the epidemiology, the aetiology, and the outcome of CSE remain poorly characterized. Aim: to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of CSE and to determine the predictive factors of neurological and neurocognitive sequelae. Methods: Retrospective, longitudinal, monocenter study conducted at the department of pediatrics A in the Children hospital of Tunis between January 2010 and December 2017. Results: 202 children included. Overall mortality was 8.4%. History of CSE and EEG abnormalities were found as independent factors of recurrence. Age under 8 months and motor deficits on initial examination were two independent factors of functional disabilities. Conclusions: CSE is a severe emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality. Age and etiology are the main determinant of the outcome.