Clinical Profile and Short-term Outcome of Pediatric Status Epilepticus at a Tertiary-care Center in Northern India

Objective To assess clinical profile and short term treatment outcomes of pediatric status epilepticus (SE) at a tertiary-care center in northern India. Methods Prospective cohort study enrolled children aged 1 month to 18 years presenting with SE to the emergency department. Enrolled children (109) were treated as per hospital protocols. Clinical features during hospitalization were noted. Pediatric overall performance category (POPC) scale was used for classification of outcome at the time of discharge. Results Acute symptomatic etiology was identified in 66 (60.6%) cases (CNS infections were predominant). Previous diagnosis of epilepsy was found in 32 (29.4%) children; and benzodiazepine responsive SE were seen in 65 (59.6%) children. Predictors of unfavorable outcome were acute symptomatic etiology (adjusted OR 4.50; 95% CI 1.49, 13.62) and no treatment administered prior to hospital (adjusted OR 3.97; 95% CI 1.06, 14.81). Conclusions Acute symptomatic etiology, mainly acute CNS infections, is the leading cause of SE in this region. Early and pre-hospital management with benzodiazepines may improve SE outcome.