Status epilepticus in Auckland, New Zealand: Incidence, etiology, and outcomes

Two-year mortality and seizure recurrence following status epilepticus in Auckland, New Zealand: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To document the 2-year mortality and seizure recurrence rate of a prospective cohort of patients identified with status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

Patients presenting to any hospital in the Auckland region between April 6 2015, and April 5 2016, with a seizure lasting 10 min or longer were identified. Follow up was at 2 years post index SE episode via telephone calls and detailed review of clinical notes.

RESULTS

We identified 367 patients with SE over the course of one year. 335/367 (91.3 %) were successfully followed up at the 2-year mark. Two-year all-cause mortality was 50/335 (14.9 %), and 49/267 (18.4 %) when febrile SE was excluded. Two-year seizure recurrence was 197/335 (58.8 %). On univariate analyses, children (preschoolers 2 to < 5 years and children 5 to < 15 years), Asian ethnicity, SE duration <30 mins and acute (febrile) aetiology were associated with lower mortality, while older age >60 and progressive causes were associated with higher mortality on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Age < 2 years and acute aetiology were associated with lower seizure recurrence, while non convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) with coma and a history of epilepsy were associated with higher seizure recurrence. On multivariate analyses, a history of epilepsy, as well as having both acute and remote causes were associated with higher seizure recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

All-cause mortality in both the paediatric and adult populations at 2 years was lower than most previous reports. Older age, SE duration ≥30 mins and progressive aetiologies were associated with the highest 2-year mortality, while febrile SE had the lowest mortality. A history of epilepsy, NCSE with coma, and having both acute and remote causes were associated with higher seizure recurrence at 2 years. Future studies should focus on functional measures of outcome and long-term quality of life.

The challenges of treating status epilepticus in rural Canada

Though unified by challenges in the treatment of status epilepticus (SE), rural Canada is simultaneously massive and diverse, spanning the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. According to the national statistical agency, the most rural jurisdiction in Canada is the Arctic territory of Nunavut. In particular, the Kivalliq region of Nunavut represents a unique epidemiologic SE space because any treatment beyond typical first-line lorazepam and second-line phenytoin by a non-neurologist locum tenens requires airborne evacuation over a thousand kilometers away to a single hospital with a single electroencephalographic (EEG) laboratory. This distinctive mode of healthcare delivery affords unique insights into the challenges of treating SE in rural Canada, such as lack of EEG infrastructure, a markedly high incidence of SE, the struggles of enduring cultural and socioeconomic trauma, and a relative lack of local epilepsy care as recommended by the World Health Organization. For example, despite empiric treatment and waiting over 2 days on average for EEG, 1 in 5 patients still had ongoing or possible electrographic seizures. At the same time, Kivalliq experiences routine dramatic changes in light-dark exposure each year to afford unique insights into circannual SE chronobiology in relation to the chief human zeitgeber of sunlight. This shows that challenges may also represent opportunities, such as for existing and emerging technologies to synergistically address enormous treatment gaps to improve SE care for the people of Kivalliq, while providing novel insights that may also help improve SE clinical care around the world.

Risk factors for status epilepticus after brain disorders in adults: A multi-cohort national register study

PURPOSE

We aimed to describe risks of status epilepticus (SE) after different brain disorders in adults using population-wide register data. Our hypothesis was that SE would be more common in disorders with widespread pathology and that the risk would increase with disorder severity.

METHODS

We analyzed five large datasets created from the Swedish National Patient Register, the Cause of Death Register, and national quality registers with adults in Sweden with brain infections, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk factors were assessed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

In adults with TBI, stroke, dementia, MS, or brain infections, the incidence rate of SE was highest in survivors of brain infections (64/100,000 person years) and stroke (64/100,000), followed by TBI (37/100,000), dementia (36/100,000), and MS (26/100,000). SE was considerably more common in patients with epilepsy after their brain disorder. Across all datasets severe disorder increased SE-risk. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HR 5.5 95 % CI: 2.6-12), progressive MS (HR 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.1-4.7), structural TBI (2.0, 95 % CI: 1.6-2.6), and intracerebral hemorrhage (HR 1.5, 95 % CI: 1.2-2.0) were the subtypes of brain disorders with the highest relative risk of SE. Having another CNS disorder increased SE-risk in TBI (HR 2.9, 95 % CI: 2.3-3.7), brain infections (HR 2.8, 95 % CI: 1.7-4.5), and dementia (HR 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.5-4.2).

CONCLUSION

SE-risk increases with disorder severity and number of CNS comorbidities. These findings can guide treatment strategy by allowing identification of high-risk patients. Pathophysiological studies are needed to better understand remote symptomatic SE.

Status epilepticus in Auckland, New Zealand: Treatment patterns and determinants of outcome in a prospective population-based cohort

OBJECTIVE

Determination of the real-world performance of a health care system in the treatment of status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

Prospective, multicenter population-based study of SE in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) over 1 year, with data recorded in the EpiNet database. Focus on treatment patterns and determinants of SE duration and 30-day mortality. The incidence, etiology, ethnic discrepancies, and seizure characteristics of this cohort have been published previously.

RESULTS

A total of 365 patients were included in this treatment cohort; 326 patients (89.3%) were brought to hospital because of SE, whereas 39 patients (10.7%) developed SE during a hospital admission for another reason. Overall, 190 (52.1%) had a known history of epilepsy and 254 (70.0%) presented with SE with prominent motor activity. The mean Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS) was 2.15 and the mean SE duration of all patients was 44 min. SE self-terminated without any treatment in 84 patients (22.7%). Earlier administration of appropriately dosed benzodiazepine in the pre-hospital setting was a major determinant of SE duration. Univariate analysis demonstrated that mortality was significantly higher in older patients, patients with longer durations of SE, higher STESS, and patients who developed SE in hospital, but these did not maintain significance with multivariate analysis. There was no difference in the performance of the health care system in the treatment of SE across ethnic groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

When SE was defined as 10 continuous minutes of seizure, overall mortality was lower than expected and many patients had self-limited presentations for which no treatment was required. Although there were disparities in the incidence of SE across ethnic groups there was no difference in treatment or outcome. The finding highlights the benefit of a health care system designed to deliver universal health care.

Incidence of First-Episode Status Epilepticus and Risk Factors in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency characterized by prolonged seizures. However, the incidence of first-episode SE is unclear, as estimates vary greatly among studies. Additionally, SE risk factors have been insufficiently explored. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence of first-episode SE in Ontario, Canada, and estimate the associations between potential sociodemographic and health-related risk factors and first-episode SE.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative datasets. We included individuals who completed Canada's 2006 Census long-form questionnaire, lived in Ontario, were between 18 and 105, and had no history of SE. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios for SE within three years associated with each potential risk factor.

RESULTS

The final sample included 1,301,700 participants, 140 of whom were hospitalized or had an emergency department visit for first-episode SE during follow-up (3.5 per 100,000 person-years). Older age was the only significant sociodemographic SE risk factor (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.37), while health-related risk factors included alcohol or drug abuse (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.08), brain tumour or cancer (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.15), chronic kidney disease (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.29, 1.36), dementia (HR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.36, 1.48), diabetes (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.12), epilepsy or seizures (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.09) and stroke (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.11).

CONCLUSION

The estimated incidence of SE in a sample of Ontario residents was 3.5 per 100,000 person-years. Older age and several comorbid conditions were associated with higher first-episode SE risk.

The impact of a history of status epilepticus for epilepsy surgery outcome

OBJECTIVE

Patients with focal drug resistant epilepsy are excellent candidates for epilepsy surgery. Status epilepticus (SE) and seizure clusters (SC), described in a subset of patients, have both been associated with extended epileptogenic cerebral networks within one or both hemispheres. In this retrospective study, we were interested to determine if a history of SE or SC is associated with a worse surgical outcome.

METHODS

Data of 244 patients operated between 2000 to 2018 were reviewed, with a follow-up of at least 2 years. Patients with a previous history of SE or SC were compared to operated patients without these conditions (control group, CG).

RESULTS

We identified 27 (11%) and 38 (15.5%) patients with history of SE or SC, respectively. No difference in post-operative outcome was found for SE and SC patients. Compared to the control group, patients with a history of SE were diagnosed and operated significantly at earlier age(p = 0.01), and after a shorter duration of the disease (p = 0.027), but with a similar age of onset.

SIGNIFICANCE

A history of SE or SC was not associated with a worse post-operative prognosis. Earlier referral of SE patients for surgery suggests a heightened awareness regarding serious complications of recurrent SE by the referring neurologist or neuropediatrician. While the danger of SE is evident, policies to underline the impact for SC or very frequent seizures might be an efficient approach to accelerate patient referral also for this patient group.

Status Epilepticus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Morocco: A Retrospective Analysis

Background Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurologic emergency with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, causes, management, and outcomes of patients with SE in a tertiary care hospital in Morocco. Methods A retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021, including all patients admitted to the medico-surgical general intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of SE. We recorded demographic characteristics, SE clinical history, management, causes, and discharge outcomes. Results Overall, 82 patients with SE were included, the median age was 39.5 years (18-95), 61% of the patients were male, the majority of semiology was convulsive SE (93%, N: 77), epilepsy of unknown cause was the most common diagnosis (41.2%, N: 34), and the most known etiology was acute/subacute cerebrovascular events (12 patients, 14.4%). All patients received benzodiazepines, 96.4% of them received phenobarbital as a second line of treatment, 65 patients required anesthesia, 52 patients developed one complication at least - the most common complication being systemic infection, and the mortality rate was noted to be 38% among patients with SE (N: 31). In this study, the factors associated with mortality were ischemic stroke (as an etiology of SE (p=0.048), history of epilepsy (p=0.005), poor therapeutic adherence (p=0.001), cardiovascular complications, presence of multiple complications (p=0.0001), pneumonia (p=0.0001), and the recurrence of SE (p=0.050). Conclusions We provide a single-center retrospective analysis of admissions in SE and note that mortality among SE patients is high in our settings. Improving prehospital emergency care and implementing elective ICU admission for patients at high risk could improve the mortality rate.

Circannual seizure provocation as the day lengthens in the northern and southern hemispheres

Circannual status epilepticus (SE) patterns in communities near Earth's poles best test the hypothesis that SE susceptibility varies with light exposure because these communities are routinely subject to large changes in annual light exposure, which may result in changes to daily sleep time. We compared northern hemispheric circannual SE occurrence in Kivalliq, Canada (latitude-62.8° N) to southern hemispheric Auckland, New Zealand (latitude-36.9° S). Instead of peaking at a similar calendar time, SE peaked at a similar solar time during the increasing daylight phase after each region's respective winter solstice. This demonstrates that cumulative effects of increasing light exposure can mediate SE susceptibility.

Clinical and Electroencephalographic Predictors of Seizures and Status Epilepticus in 12,450 Critically Ill Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Status epilepticus (SE) is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality than isolated seizures. Our objective was to identify clinical diagnoses and rhythmic and periodic electroencephalogram patterns (RPPs) associated with SE and seizures.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care hospitals.

SUBJECTS

Twelve thousand four hundred fifty adult hospitalized patients undergoing continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring in selected participating sites in the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium database (February 2013 to June 2021).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We defined an ordinal outcome in the first 72 hours of cEEG: no seizures, isolated seizures without SE, or SE (with or without isolated seizures). Composite groups included isolated seizures or SE (AnySz) and no seizure or isolated seizures. In this cohort (mean age: 60 ± 17 yr), 1,226 patients (9.8%) had AnySz and 439 patients (3.5%) had SE. In a multivariate model, factors independently associated with SE were cardiac arrest (9.2% with SE; adjusted odds ratio, 8.8 [6.3-12.1]), clinical seizures before cEEG (5.7%; 3.3 [2.5-4.3]), brain neoplasms (3.2%; 1.6 [1.0-2.6]), lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) (15.4%; 7.3 [5.7-9.4]), brief potentially ictal rhythmic discharges (BIRDs) (22.5%; 3.8 [2.6-5.5]), and generalized periodic discharges (GPDs) (7.2%; 2.4 [1.7-3.3]). All above variables and lateralized rhythmic delta activity (LRDA) were also associated with AnySz. Factors disproportionately increasing odds of SE over isolated seizures were cardiac arrest (7.3 [4.4-12.1]), clinical seizures (1.7 [1.3-2.4]), GPDs (2.3 [1.4-3.5]), and LPDs (1.4 [1.0-1.9]). LRDA had lower odds of SE compared with isolated seizures (0.5 [0.3-0.9]). RPP modifiers did not improve SE prediction beyond RPPs presence/absence ( p = 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the largest existing cEEG database, we identified specific predictors of SE (cardiac arrest, clinical seizures prior to cEEG, brain neoplasms, LPDs, GPDs, and BIRDs) and seizures (all previous and LRDA). These findings could be used to tailor cEEG monitoring for critically ill patients.

Mortality, and life expectancy in Epilepsy and Status epilepticus-current trends and future aspects

Patients with epilepsy carry a risk of premature death which is on average two to three times higher than in the general population. The risk of death is not homogenously distributed over all ages, etiologies, and epilepsy syndromes. People with drug resistant seizures carry the highest risk of death compared to those who are seizure free, whose risk is similar as in the general population. Most of the increased risk is directly related to the cause of epilepsy itself. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) is the most important cause of epilepsy-related deaths especially in the young and middle-aged groups. Population based studies with long-term follow up demonstrated that the first years after diagnosis carry the highest risk of death, while in the later years the mortality decreases. Improved seizure control and being exposed to a specialized comprehensive care centre may help to reduce the risk of death in patients with epilepsy. The mortality of status epilepticus is substantially increased with case fatality rates between 4.6% and 39%, depending on its cause and duration, and the age of the population studied. The epidemiological data on overall and cause specific mortality as well as their determinants and risk factors are critically reviewed and methodological issues pertinent to the studies on mortality of epilepsy and Status epilepticus are discussed.

The clinical analysis of new-onset status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and analyze the etiology and prognosis of patients with new-onset status epilepticus (NOSE).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all adult patients (≧16 years old) who were admitted to Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 with status epilepticus (SE) and no prior epilepsy history.

RESULTS

We collected data from 85 patients, aged from 16 to 90 years, of whom 49 were male and 36 were female. Fifty-five of these cases (64.7%) were younger than 60 years of age. Acute symptomatic SE was mostly seen in the NOSE (53.9%), followed by unknown SE (25.9%), progressive SE (11.8%), and remote SE (9.4%). The differences in the etiology of NOSE between age groups were statistically significant (P < .05). For the young, the main etiology remained unknown (36.3%), followed by autoimmune-related SE (16.4%); in the elderly, the primary etiology was central nervous system (CNS) infection (23.3%), followed by cerebrovascular disease (20%), and intracranial tumors (20%). Normal imaging was mostly seen in young people with NOSE (P < .001). Regarding outcome parameters and risk factors in patients with NOSE, adverse outcome was associated with age (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 0.108-0.758, P = .012), co-infection (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 0.083-0.599, P = .003), and tracheal intubation (OR = 6.318, 95% CI = 0.060-0.204, P = .011).

SIGNIFICANCE

In our cohort, intracranial tumors, CNS infections, and cerebrovascular disease were the predominant causes of NOSE in the elderly, while autoimmune encephalitis was the largest recognized cause of NOSE in young patients. In addition, imaging varies with age. According to the data, preventing infections may enhance patient prognosis because greater infection rates are connected with less favorable results. Meanwhile, age and mechanical ventilation are related to the prognosis of NOSE.

Status epilepticus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cologne, Germany: data from a retrospective, multicentre registry

Background

The “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the “severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), challenges healthcare systems worldwide and impacts not only COVID-19 patients but also other emergencies. To date, data are scarce on the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted status epilepticus (SE) and its treatment.

Objective

To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, management and outcome of SE patients.

Study design

This is a retrospective, multicentre trial, approved by the University of Cologne (21-1443-retro).

Methods

All SE patients from the urban area of Cologne transmitted to all acute neurological departments in Cologne between 03/2019 and 02/2021 were retrospectively analysed and assessed for patient characteristics, SE characteristics, management, and outcome in the first pandemic year compared to the last pre-pandemic year.

Results

157 pre-pandemic (03/2019–02/2020) and 171 pandemic (from 03/2020 to 02/2021) SE patients were included in the analyses. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infections were rarely detected. Patient characteristics, management, and outcome did not reveal significant groupwise differences. In contrast, regarding prehospital management, a prolonged patient transfer to the hospital and variations in SE aetiologies compared to the last pre-pandemic year were observed with less chronic vascular and more cryptogenic and anoxic SE cases. No infections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred during inpatient stays.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infections did not directly affect SE patients, but the transfer of SE patients to emergency departments was delayed. Interestingly, SE aetiology rates shifted, which warrants further exploration. Fears of contracting an in-hospital SARS-CoV-2-infection were unfounded due to consequent containment measures.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11260-2.

Parenteral Long-Acting Antiseizure Medications Are Used More Often to Treat Seizure Clusters Than Convulsive Status Epilepticus in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Objective:Recent trials provide high-quality evidence for second-line treatment of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children. However, the most effective medications for other seizure emergencies are poorly understood without established treatment algorithms. We investigated children presenting to the emergency department with repetitive or prolonged convulsions who required intravenous long-acting antiseizure medications, to determine the relative importance and treatment responsiveness of status epilepticus and seizure clusters. Methods: Retrospective observational study in the emergency department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (annual census 90 000) using hospital electronic medical records data of patients presenting with seizures in 2018. For patients receiving parenteral long-acting antiseizure medications, seizures were categorized as convulsive status epilepticus, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, and seizure clusters. Results: 1468 patients (2% of all visits) presented with seizures to the emergency department in 2018. Long-acting antiseizure medications were administered to 97 (7%) children for the emergency management of seizures. The majority presented with seizure clusters (n = 69; 71%). Only 11 (11%) were in convulsive status epilepticus and 17 (18%) in nonconvulsive status epilepticus. In convulsive status epilepticus, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, and seizure clusters, phenytoin was used in 27%, 53%, and 58% and levetiracetam in 73%, 47%, and 32%, respectively. Conclusions:Convulsive status epilepticus represents a small portion of patients requiring parenteral long-acting antiseizure medications. Seizure clusters accounted for >6 times the number of convulsive status epilepticus, yet evidence and treatment algorithms are lacking.

Status Epilepticus Australasian Registry for Children: A pilot prospective, observational, cohort study of paediatric status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

Paediatric status epilepticus (SE) has potential for long-term sequelae. Existing data demonstrate delays to aspects of care. The objective of the present study was to examine the feasibility of collecting data on children with paediatric SE and describe current management strategies in pre-hospital and in-hospital settings.

METHODS

A pilot, prospective, observational cohort study of children 4 weeks to 16 years of age with SE, in four EDs in Australia. Clinical details including medications administered, duration of seizure and short-term outcomes were collected. Follow up occurred by telephone at 1 month.

RESULTS

We enrolled 167 children with SE. Mean age was 5.4 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.1), and 81 (49%) male. Median seizure duration was 10 min (interquartile range 7-30). Midazolam was the first medication administered in 87/100 (87%) instances, mean dose of 0.21 mg/kg (SD 0.13). The dose of midazolam was adequate in 30 (35%), high (>0.2 mg/kg) in 44 (51%) and low (<0.1 mg/kg) in 13 (15%). For second-line agents, levetiracetam was administered on 33/55 (60%) occasions, whereas phenytoin and phenobarbitone were administered on 11/55 (20%) occasions each. Mean dose of levetiracetam was 26.4 mg/kg (SD 13.5). One hundred and four (62%) patients were admitted to hospital, with 13 (8%) admitted to ICU and seven (4%) intubated.

CONCLUSION

In children presenting with SE in Australia medical management differed from previous reports, with midazolam as the preferred benzodiazepine, and levetiracetam replacing phenytoin as the preferred second-line agent. This pilot study indicates the feasibility of a paediatric SE registry and its utility to understand and optimise practice.

Management of Status Epilepticus, Refractory Status Epilepticus, and Super-refractory Status Epilepticus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Status epilepticus is a serious condition caused by disorders and diseases that affect the central nervous system. In status epilepticus, hypersynchronous epileptic activity lasts longer than the usual duration of isolated self-limited seizures (time t1), which causes neuronal damage or alteration of neuronal networks at a certain time point (time t2), depending on the type of and duration of status epilepticus. The successful management of status epilepticus includes both the early termination of seizure activity and the earliest possible identification of a causative etiology, which may require independent acute treatment. In nonconvulsive status epilepticus, patients present only with subtle clinical signs or even without any visible clinical manifestations. In these cases, EEG allows for the assessment of cerebral function and identification of patterns in need of urgent treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2015, the International League Against Epilepsy proposed a new definition and classification of status epilepticus, encompassing four axes: symptomatology, etiology, EEG, and age. Various validation studies determined the practical usefulness of EEG criteria to identify nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society has incorporated these criteria into their most recent critical care EEG terminology in 2021. Etiology, age, symptomatology, and the metabolic demand associated with an increasing duration of status epilepticus are the most important determinants of prognosis. The consequences of status epilepticus can be visualized in vivo by MRI studies.

SUMMARY

The current knowledge about status epilepticus allows for a more reliable diagnosis, earlier treatment, and improved cerebral imaging of its consequences. Outcome prediction is a soft tool for estimating the need for intensive care resources.

Epidemiology of Treated Epilepsy in New Zealand Children: A Focus on Ethnicity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the period prevalence and incidence of treated epilepsy in a New Zealand pediatric cohort with a focus on ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. The New Zealand Pharmaceutical Collection database was searched for individuals ≤18 years of age dispensed an antiseizure medication (ASM) in 2015 from areas capturing 48% of the New Zealand pediatric population. Medical records of identified cases were reviewed to ascertain the indication for the ASM prescription. Population data were derived from the New Zealand 2013 Census.

RESULTS

A total of 3,557 ASMs were prescribed during 2015 in 2,594 children, of whom 1,717 (66%) children had epilepsy. An indication for prescription was ascertained for 3,332/3,557 (94%) ASMs. The period prevalence of treated epilepsy was 3.4 per 1,000 children. Children in the most deprived areas had 1.9 times the rate of treated epilepsy (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.2) as those from the least deprived areas. Prevalence was similar for most ethnic groups (European/other: 3.7, 95% CI 3.4-3.9; Pacific Peoples: 3.6, 95% CI 3.2-4.1; Māori: 3.4, 95% CI 3.1-3.8) apart from Asians, who had a lower prevalence of 2.3 per 1,000 (95% CI 2.0-2.6). However, when adjusted for socioeconomic deprivation, the prevalence of epilepsy was highest in European and similar in Māori, Pacific, and Asian children.

DISCUSSION

This is the largest pediatric epidemiology epilepsy study where diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed by case review. This is the first study to provide epidemiologic information for pediatric epilepsy in Māori and Pacific children.

Inpatient medical cost of status epilepticus in children: A national-wide, multicenter study from China

OBJECTIVES

To describe the inpatient medical cost during hospitalization in children with status epilepticus (SE) and identify factors associated with the cost by a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We retrospectively identified pediatric inpatients with SE form Hospital Information System (HIS) of 44 hospitals in 27 provinces in China between 2013 and 2015. Inpatient medical cost and factors associated with the cost were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 4041 children diagnosed with SE with inpatient medical cost were enrolled in the present study. The median age at admission was 2.9 (range 0.1-18) years, and 2271 patients were male (56.2%). The median inpatient medical cost of children with SE was $1175.5 (665.1-2320.6). The median inpatient medical cost was $3865.6 (1837.4-8210.4) in children with SRSE and $1048.6 (619.8-1865.4) in those with N-SRSE (p < 0.0001). Children with length of hospital stay (LOS) > 7 showed a much higher inpatient medical cost than those with LOS ≤ 7 day ($2300.7 vs. $767.2, p < 0.0001). Regarding different etiologies, children with acute symptomatic etiology showed the highest median inpatient medical cost of $1681.1 (901.0-3699.6), in which children with central nervous system (CNS) infection reported $2606.0 (1380.0-5016.1) and prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) reported $909.8 (649.3-1322.0). Additionally, children with idiopathic/cryptogenic etiology reported a medical cost of $923.2 (548.9-1534.5). Multiple linear regression analysis of cost-driving factors revealed LOS > 7, examinations, treatment equipment and procedures, and treatment medicines were independently associated with a higher inpatient medical cost (R² = 60.91). In addition, PFS and idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy etiology were independently associated with a lower cost.

CONCLUSIONS

SE in children was a cost intensive disease in China with a median inpatient medical cost of $1175.5. LOS, etiology and examinations, treatment equipment and procedures, and treatment medicines were significantly associated with inpatient medical cost.

Status epilepticus in the Canadian Arctic: A public health imperative hidden in plain sight

Objective

The World Health Organization, International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), and International Bureau for Epilepsy have called epilepsy a public health imperative, with appropriate emphasis on low‐to‐middle‐income countries (LMIC). Although Canada is a high‐income country (HIC), income is not distributed uniformly. Furthermore, epilepsy data from the national statistical agency explicitly overlook the Arctic by excluding these territories. A common neurologic emergency, status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening manifestation of epilepsy that demands prompt treatment to avoid death and long‐term sequelae. Therefore, we examined the rate of SE in a well‐defined Canadian Arctic region.

Methods

This study takes epidemiologic advantage of the Kivalliq Region's geographical isolation, which is accessible only by air. All SE patients requiring emergency care are consistently flown 1200‐1900 kilometers to a single designated hospital in a distinct southern part of Canada for further management and electroencephalography (EEG). We conducted a retrospective database and chart review at this “bottleneck” hospital to identify patients with seizure(s) severe enough to justify emergency airborne medical evacuation over a 11.25‐year period from 2009 to 2020.

Results

We screened 40 392 EEGs to yield 117 distinct medical evacuations for “operational SE” from 99 patients to derive estimated SE incidences of 99.9 evacuations per 100 000/year and 84.5 patients per 100 000/year. The average time from seizure onset to EEG was 3.2 days. Only 16.2% of SE patients had known epilepsy. For “confirmed SE” cases meeting ILAE criteria, or cases with persistently epileptiform EEG despite days of empiric treatment, estimated incidence was 77.7 evacuations per 100 000/year and 64.9 patients per 100 000/year.

Significance

High SE and epilepsy rates in the Canadian Arctic are consistent with LMIC rather than HIC. Our findings demonstrate the paradox of LMIC‐equivalent epilepsy populations camouflaged within HIC. Our findings also highlight the long‐standing plight of these under‐served and overlooked populations hidden in plain sight.

Brain pathology in focal status epilepticus: evidence from experimental models

Status Epilepticus (SE) is often a neurological emergency characterized by abnormally sustained, longer than habitual seizures. The new ILAE classification reports that SE "…can have long-term consequences including neuronal death, neuronal injury…depending on the type and duration of seizures". While it is accepted that generalized convulsive SE exerts detrimental effects on the brain, it is not clear if other forms of SE, such as focal non-convulsive SE, leads to brain pathology and contributes to long-term deficits in patients. With the available clinical and experimental data, it is hard to discriminate the specific action of the underlying SE etiologies from that exerted by epileptiform activity. This information is highly relevant in the clinic for better treatment stratification, which may include both medical and surgical intervention for seizure control. Here we review experimental studies of focal SE, with an emphasis on focal non-convulsive SE. We present a repertoire of brain pathologies observed in the most commonly used animal models and attempt to establish a link between experimental findings and human condition(s). The extensive literature on focal SE animal models suggest that the current approaches have significant limitations in terms of translatability of the findings to the clinic. We highlight the need for a more stringent description of SE features and brain pathology in experimental studies in animal models, to improve the accuracy in predicting clinical translation.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological and medical emergency, defined as a condition resulting either from the failure of the mechanisms responsible of seizure self-limitation or from the initiation of mechanisms which lead to atypically prolonged seizures. Further than death, SE can have long-term consequences, including neuronal injury, depending on the type, cause and duration of seizures with severe associated disabilities. In Europe, SE shows an incidence rate ranging about 9 to 40/100,000/y. In adults, mortality of patients with SE is ~30%, and even higher (up to 40%) in refractory status epilepticus. To date, etiology, duration, presence of comorbidity, level of consciousness, semiology and age are the main clinical predictors of SE outcome.

Pharmacotherapy for Nonconvulsive Seizures and Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Most seizures in critically ill patients are nonconvulsive. A significant number of neurological and medical conditions can be complicated by nonconvulsive seizures (NCSs) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), with brain infections, hemorrhages, global hypoxia, sepsis, and recent neurosurgery being the most prominent etiologies. Prolonged NCSs and NCSE can lead to adverse neurological outcomes. Early recognition requires a high degree of suspicion and rapid and appropriate duration of continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring. Although high quality research evaluating treatment with antiseizure medications and long-term outcome is still lacking, it is probable that expeditious pharmacological management of NCSs and NCSE may prevent refractoriness and further neurological injury. There is limited evidence on pharmacotherapy for NCSs and NCSE, although a few clinical trials encompassing both convulsive and NCSE have demonstrated similar efficacy of different intravenous (IV) antiseizure medications (ASMs), including levetiracetam, valproate, lacosamide and fosphenytoin. The choice of specific ASMs lies on tolerability and safety since critically ill patients frequently have impaired renal and/or hepatic function as well as hematological/hemodynamic lability. Treatment frequently requires more than one ASM and occasionally escalation to IV anesthetic drugs. When multiple ASMs are required, combining different mechanisms of action should be considered. There are several enteral ASMs that could be used when IV ASM options have been exhausted. Refractory NCSE is not uncommon, and its treatment requires a very judicious selection of ASMs aiming at reducing seizure burden along with management of the underlying condition.

Focal nonconvulsive status epilepticus in children: clinical and electroencephalographic features in 38 patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to characterize clinically, etiologically, and electroencephalographically focal Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) in children. Moreover, we tried to identify focal NCSE features distinguishing between different ages, NCSE etiologies, and cases of de novo onset.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients (aged 1 month to 18 years) who had EEG-documented focal NCSE between January 2001 and December 2019. We analyzed the clinical features, etiology, and EEG features of each event.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included in this study. NCSE had a de novo onset in 26 patients and was the first manifestation of previously undiagnosed epilepsy in 12 patients. NCSE etiology was acute symptomatic in 13 patients. Acute symptomatic NCSE events were mainly observed in hospitalized children, were usually longer, and had a significantly higher frequency of repetitive EEG patterns than other etiologies. In patients with epilepsy, the etiology of NCSE was remote symptomatic in 14, progressive in 6, and cryptogenic in 5; a definite or suspected genetic disorder was observed in 11. EEG localization was frequent in posterior regions (18 children). Eleven patients had refractory NCSE and 4 required admission to the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION

Focal NCSE in children is more frequent in the first years of life, mainly involves posterior regions, and often has de novo onset. In the case of de novo focal NCSE both acute symptomatic NCSE and new-onset epilepsy must be considered and investigated. A higher frequency of repetitive EEG patterns and an inpatient setting are significantly associated with acute symptomatic NCSE.

Epidemiology of status epilepticus in a non-urban area in Switzerland

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to provide a precise population-based data on incidence, types, and causes of SE according to the 2015 ILAE definition and classification using a prospectively cohort in an adult population of a non-urban area.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Prospective observational SE cohort in a single large community hospital. The center is the only one in the region (French-speaking Valais canton), with all available resources to treat SE (including neurologist available 24/7, EEG monitoring and ICU). Every adult patient with SE is included (except post-anoxic SE). All variables are collected prospectively using the 2015 ILAE status epilepticus classification.

RESULTS

We identified 103 patients with SE in the study period between 1st of May 2015 and 30th of June 2019 for a population of 260,855 people. The incidence is 8.6 per 100,000 adults per year with an overall case-fatality rate of 7.8%. SE was generalized convulsive in 52% of cases and nonconvulsive SE in coma in 34%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a prospective reliable data collection with strict inclusion criteria, we found an incidence of 8.6 per 100,000 persons per year, in line with previous report using similar methods. The most severe forms-generalized convulsive and nonconvulsive SE in coma-represent the majority of cases. These data might be important for resources allocation in non-urban area with non-university healthcare system.

Epidemiology of status epilepticus in adults: Apples, pears, and oranges - A critical review

OBJECTIVE

Status epilepticus (SE) is a severe neurologic condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Population-based studies in adults have found a wide range of incidences in various regions in the world. Although the incidence of SE increases almost exponentially in the elderly, data on census-based population statistics in these studies are scarce. This study provides a critical review with an emphasis on census-based population statistics and study characteristics in adults.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of population-based studies on SE in adults in PubMed using "status epilepticus" in combination with "epidemiology", "population", and "incidence" as search terms, and also screened references. For each identified study, we assessed and extracted the respective population pyramids of study and reference population, and study characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 22 population-based studies (eleven from Europe, six from North America, three from Asia, one from Africa, and one from Australasia). Incidence rates of patients with SE ranged from 1.29 to 73.7/100,000 adults (95% confidence interval (CI): 76.6-80.3) and of SE episodes up to 81.1/100,000 adults (95% CI: 75.8-87.0). The proportions of elderly and very old patients varied by a factor of 2.6 and 8.5, respectively, depending on study period and place. Further major reasons for heterogeneity were retrospective or prospective study design, definition of time to diagnose SE, variable detection of nonconvulsive SE (NCSE), different etiologies, inclusion of children, recurrent episodes, postanoxic patients, exclusion of patients with preexisting epilepsy or patients identified outside the emergency department, and choice of reference population for age- and gender adjustment. The most recent definition and classification of SE by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2015 was used in two studies. Four studies (18.2%) reported incidences per ten-year age strata necessary for age adjustment to various reference populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This critical review reveals a marked heterogeneity among population-based studies on SE in adults. It provides comprehensive details on census-based population statistics in study and reference populations and various study designs and characteristics essential for direct comparisons between studies. Reporting on these essential key features should be improved in population-based studies on SE.

In-hospital mortality of status epilepticus in China: Results from a nationwide survey

PURPOSE

We attempted to determine the nationwide in-hospital mortality rate in people with status epilepticus (SE) in China.

METHODS

Using the database of the Chinese Hospital Quality Monitoring System (HQMS), we identified people hospitalised from 2013 to 2017 with an ICD-10 code G41 for SE as the primary diagnosis. HQMS was developed by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Demographics, outcomes at discharge, and financial information were extracted automatically from the medical records.

RESULTS

We identified 29,031 cases with SE as the primary diagnosis from 585 tertiary centres during the five-year period. Among those included, there was a preponderance of men (61 %), and the mean age was 40.4 ± 25.2 years (range: 0-98). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.46 % over the whole time period, while the overall mortality ranged from 1.80 % in 2013 to 1.20 % in 2017. The mean cost of treatment was 14517.81 RMB ($ 2147.92) per individual, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 9.25 days.

CONCLUSION

We provide an overview of mortality related to SE in China as the HQMS database covers a large number of cases of SE in China, making it one of the most efficient tools for mortality investigation. The use of electronic medical records in China creates several challenges and here we discuss lessons learned. The methodology will be improved and will be used in future studies.