Meningitis is a common cause of convulsive status epilepticus with fever

Naringenin: its chemistry and roles in neuroprotection

According to epidemiological research, as the population ages, neurological illnesses are becoming a bigger issue. Despite improvements in the treatment of these diseases, there are still widespread worries about how to find a long-lasting remedy. Several neurological diseases can be successfully treated with natural substances. As a result, current research has been concentrated on finding effective neuroprotective drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects. Naringenin is one potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Many citrus fruits, tomatoes, bergamots, and other fruits are rich in naringenin, a flavonoid. This phytochemical is linked to a variety of biological functions. Naringenin has attracted a lot of interest for its ability to exhibit neuroprotection through several mechanisms. In the current article, we present evidence from the literature that naringenin reduces neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in brain tissues. Also, the literatures that are currently accessible shows that naringenin reduces neuroinflammation and other neurological anomalies. Additionally, we found several studies that touted naringenin as a promising anti-amyloidogenic, antidepressant, and neurotrophic treatment option. This review's major goal is to reflect on advancements in knowledge of the molecular processes that underlie naringenin's possible neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, this article also provides highlights of Naringenin with respect to its chemistry and pharmacokinetics.

A Commentary on Electrographic Seizure Management and Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children

Continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring is the gold standard for detecting electrographic seizures in critically ill children and the current consensus-based guidelines recommend urgent cEEG to detect electrographic seizures that would otherwise be undetected. The detection of seizures usually leads to the use of antiseizure medications, even though current evidence that treatment leads to important improvements in outcomes is limited, raising the question of whether the current strategies need re-evaluation. There is emerging evidence indicating that the presence of electrographic seizures is not associated with unfavorable neurological outcome, and thus treatment is unlikely to alter the outcomes in these children. However, a high seizure burden and electrographic status epilepticus is associated with unfavorable outcome and the treatment of status epilepticus is currently warranted. Ultimately, outcomes are more likely a function of etiology than of a direct effect of the seizures themselves. We suggest re-examining our current consensus toward aggressive treatment to abolish all electrographic seizures and recommend a tailored approach where therapeutic interventions are indicated when seizure burden breaches above a critical threshold that may be associated with adverse outcomes. Future studies should explicitly evaluate whether there is a positive impact of treating electrographic seizures or electrographic status epilepticus in order to justify continuing current approaches.

Febrile seizures: A review

Febrile seizures are common, occurring in up to 5% of children in the United States. Frequently perceived by caregivers as a life-threatening event, febrile seizures are a common cause of emergency department visits. The concern for permanent neurologic sequelae and future epilepsy after febrile seizures has resulted in a significant amount of research on these topics. The development of childhood vaccines over the past several decades has led to a significant reduction in childhood bacterial meningitis. This in turn has led to a dramatic change in the evaluation and treatment of febrile seizures. In this review, the different types of febrile seizures as well as the evaluation and prognosis of each are discussed.

Evaluation of First Seizure and Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article focuses on the evaluation of children and adults who present with new-onset seizures, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis, classification, evaluation, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

New-onset seizures are a common presentation in neurologic practice, affecting approximately 8% to 10% of the population. Accurate diagnosis relies on a careful history to exclude nonepileptic paroxysmal events. A new classification system was accepted in 2017 by the International League Against Epilepsy, which evaluates seizure type(s), epilepsy type, epilepsy syndrome, etiology, and comorbidities. Accurate classification informs the choice of investigations, treatment, and prognosis. Guidelines for neuroimaging and laboratory and genetic testing are summarized.

SUMMARY

Accurate diagnosis and classification of first seizures and new-onset epilepsy are key to choosing optimal therapy to maximize seizure control and minimize comorbidities.

Incidence and risk factors of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures in febrile status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the incidence and risk factors of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) in pediatric patients with febrile status epilepticus (FSE).

METHODS

We retrospectively surveyed patients with FSE (≥20 min and ≥40 min) who were younger than 6 years by mailing a questionnaire to 1123 hospitals in Japan. The survey period was 2 years. We then collected clinical data on patients with prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) ≥40 min and those with AESD, and compared clinical data between the PFS and AESD groups.

RESULTS

The response rate for the primary survey was 42.3%, and 28.0% of hospitals which had applicable cases responded in the secondary survey. The incidence of AESD was 4.3% in patients with FSE ≥20 min and 7.1% in those with FSE ≥40 min. In the second survey, a total of 548 patients had FSE ≥40 min (AESD group, n = 93; PFS group, n = 455). Univariate analysis revealed significant between-group differences in pH, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, NH₃, procalcitonin (PCT), uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (Cr), and lactate. Multivariate analysis using stratified values showed that high PCT was an only risk factor for AESD. A prediction score of ≥3 was indicative of AESD, as determined using the following indexes: HCO3^- < 20 mmol/L (1 point), Cl <100 mEq/L (1 point), Cr ≥0.35 mg/dL (1 point), glucose ≥200 mg/dL (1 point), and PCT ≥1.7 pg/mL (2 points). The scoring system had sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 81.0%.

CONCLUSION

Incidence data and prediction scores for AESD will be useful for future intervention trials for AESD.

Association between indel polymorphism (rs145204276) in the promoter region of lncRNA GAS5 and the risk of febrile convulsion

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the regulatory relationship between growth arrest special 5 (GAS5) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) implicated in the development of febrile seizure (FS).

METHOD

The presence of FS and the genotype of GAS5 were used as two different indicators to divide the 50 newborn babies, recruited in this study, into different groups. The potential regulatory relationship among GAS5, miR-21, and IL-1β was identified by measuring their expression using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays among different sample groups. Computational analyses and luciferase assays were also conducted to verify the interaction between GAS5, miR-21, and IL-1β.

RESULT

GAS5 and IL-1β expression was upregulated in cells collected from FS patients or genotyped as INS/DEL and DEL/DEL, whereas the expression of miR-21 was decreased in above samples, indicating a negative relationship between miR-21 and GAS5/IL-1β. Results of the computational analysis showed that miR-21 directly bound to and increased the expression of GAS5, whereas the expression of IL-1β was suppressed by miR-21. In the presence of GAS5, the expression of miR-21 was lowered, whereas the expression of IL-1β was increased.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study supported the conclusion that GAS5 negatively regulated the expression of miR-21, which in turn negatively regulated the expression IL-1β. Therefore, the overexpression of GAS5 could decrease the magnitude of FS.

Utility of the Performance of Lumbar Puncture for Febrile Children With Status Epilepticus in the Bacterial Conjugate Vaccine Era

BACKGROUND

The necessity of lumbar puncture for the differentiation of central nervous system infection in children with febrile status epilepticus (FSE) remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the diagnostic necessity of lumbar puncture for children with FSE after the introduction of bacterial conjugate vaccines into the infant immunization program.

METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study was performed in children 6 to 60 months of age who were admitted to the pediatric ward at Kitakyushu General Hospital from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015, for seizures with fever. Of these patients, we compared the clinical characteristics between the patients initially diagnosed as having FSE and complex febrile seizures excluding FSE (non-FSE).

RESULTS

Of the eligible 333 children, 98 and 235 children were classified into FSE and non-FSE groups, respectively. The proportion of the children who underwent lumbar puncture in FSE group was significantly higher than that in non-FSE group (P < 0.0001). On the other hand, no significant difference in the proportion of the patients with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings was seen between the 2 groups. There was no patient with bacterial meningitis. The proportion of patients with encephalitis/encephalopathy in FSE group (n = 7, 7.1%) was significantly higher than that in non-FSE group (n = 0, P = 0.0003). However, only 1 of 6 patients with encephalitis/encephalopathy who underwent lumber puncture showed pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine lumbar puncture for the differentiation of severe central nervous system infection cannot be recommended in children with FSE.

Local classifications of fever and treatment sought among populations at risk of zoonotic diseases in Ghana

In the past four decades, there has been an increase in the occurrence of zoonotic diseases. Some outbreaks have been devastating because of the inability of individuals and health workers to identify the diseases early. Generally, most zoonotic diseases are heralded by a fever. While fevers are common, they are often the symptoms of different diseases. This paper explores how a population at potential risk of zoonotic diseases identify fevers, and what treatments they seek when they develop fevers. The data are from focus group discussions and a survey of three communities in the Brong Ahafo, Volta and Greater Accra regions in Ghana. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the perceived causes of fever differ from the traditional biomedical view. While orthodox treatment was the preferred choice for most participants, rural dwellers utilised traditional medicine more than their urban counterparts. Though there is no record of bat-borne zoonotic disease in Ghana, our findings could be used as a proxy to indicate how populations at risk of exposure might respond in the event of a spillover event from a zoonosis. We recommend that educational campaigns on zoonotic diseases should target rural dwellers, especially farmers, who may be most at risk of zoonoses.

Utility of Lumbar Puncture in Children Presenting With Status Epilepticus

OBJECTIVES

Because meningitis may trigger seizures, we sought to determine its frequency in children with first-time status epilepticus (SE).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of children aged 1 month to 21 years who presented to a single pediatric emergency department between 1995 and 2012 with SE and who had a lumbar puncture (LP) performed as part of the diagnostic evaluation. We defined bacterial meningitis as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture positive for a bacterial pathogen or CSF pleocytosis (CSF white blood cells ≥10 cells/mm) with a blood culture positive for a bacterial pathogen. We defined viral meningitis or encephalitis using a positive enterovirus or herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction test.

RESULTS

Among 126 children with SE who had an LP performed, 8 (6%) had CSF pleocytosis. Of these, 5 had received antibiotics before performance of a diagnostic LP. One child in the cohort was proven to have bacterial meningitis (0.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-6%). Two other children had enteroviral meningitis (2/13 tested, 15%; 95% CI, 3%-51%), and 1 had a herpes simplex virus infection (1/47, 2%; 95% CI, 0%-15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial meningitis is an uncommon cause of SE.

Role of neural barriers in the pathogenesis and outcome of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammatory disease of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS). Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae are the major bacterial pathogens causing meningitis with S. pneumoniae being responsible for two thirds of meningitis cases in the developed world. To reach the CNS following nasopharyngeal colonization and bacteraemia, the bacteria traverse from the circulation across the blood brain barrier (BBB) and choroid plexus. While the BBB has a protective role in healthy individuals by shielding the CNS from neurotoxic substances circulating in the blood and maintaining the homeostasis within the brain environment, dysfunction of the BBB is associated with the pathophysiology of numerous neurologic disorders, including bacterial meningitis. Inflammatory processes, including release of a broad range of cytokines and free radicals, further increase vascular permeability and contribute to the excessive neural damage observed. Injury to the cerebral microvasculature and loss of blood flow auto-regulation promote increased intracranial pressure and may lead to vascular occlusion. Other common complications commonly associated with meningitis include abnormal neuronal hyper-excitability (e.g., seizures) and loss of hearing. Despite the existence of antibiotic treatment and adjuvant therapy, the relatively high mortality rate and the severe outcomes among survivors of pneumococcal meningitis in developing and developed countries increase the urgency in the requirement of discovering novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis as well as novel treatment approaches. The present review aimed to explore the changes in the brain vascular barriers, which allow S. pneumoniae to invade the CNS, and describe the resultant brain injuries following bacterial meningitis.

New guidelines for management of febrile seizures in Japan

In 2015, the Japanese Society of Child Neurology released new guidelines for the management of febrile seizures, the first update of such guidelines since 1996. In 1988, the Conference on Febrile Convulsions in Japan published "Guidelines for the Treatment of Febrile Seizures." The Task Committee of the Conference proposed a revised version of the guidelines in 1996; that version released in 1996 was used for the next 19years in Japan for the clinical management of children with febrile seizures. Although the guidelines were very helpful for many clinicians, new guidelines were needed to reflect changes in public health and the dissemination of new medical evidence. The Japanese Society of Child Neurology formed a working group in 2012, and published the new guidelines in March 2015. The guidelines include emergency care, application of electroencephalography, neuroimaging, prophylactic diazepam, antipyretics, drugs needing special attention, and vaccines. While the new guidelines contain updated clinical recommendations, many unsolved questions remain. These questions should be clarified by future clinical research.

Seizures in the paediatric emergency department

Seizures are a common presentation to emergency departments. Early intervention improves treatment response. Use of consensus guidelines is highly recommended to decrease drug side effects and reduce intensive care requirements. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay of first-line treatment. Choice of drugs for second-line treatment is expanding and some important studies are currently underway to determine which of these agents has the best safety and effectiveness profile in children.

Febrile seizures in one-five aged infants in tropical practice: Frequency, etiology and outcome of hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Convulsive seizures are the common neurological emergencies in developing regions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to determine the prevalence, causes and outcome of seizures in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants were children aged 1-5 years old, admitted consecutively with a history of febrile convulsions or were presented seizures with fever during hospitalization, in two pediatric university hospitals. The prospective study covered a period from January to December 2013. At admission, emergency care and resuscitation procedures were provided according to the national guidelines. The history included the number and a parental description of seizures. Children with epilepsy, any central nervous system infections and other disease were excluded.

RESULTS

We have recorded 3647 children. Among them, 308 (8.4%) infants had presented with febrile seizures including 174 males and 134 females admitted to both pediatric hospitals (Tokoin University Teaching Hospitals: 206/3070, Campus University Teaching Hospitals: 102/577). Infants from 1 to 3 years age were the most common affected and constituted 65.9% of all patients. The months of September, December and January had recorded the high frequency of admission due to seizures. Regarding the seizures type, generalized tonic-clonic seizures were predominant (46.4%) followed by tonic seizures (17.2%) and status epilepticus in 9%. The etiologies were marked by falciparum malaria (52.3%), and other infections in 47.7%. At discharge, we have noted 11% (34/308) with neurodevelopmental disabilities, 6.7% of epilepsy and 9.7% (30/308) of death.

CONCLUSION

The febrile seizure in child younger 5 years is an indicator of severe malaria in tropical nations. The campaign for "roll back malaria" must continue in developing countries to avoid long-term gross neurological deficits.

Predicting factors and prevalence of meningitis in patients with first seizure and fever aged 6 to 18 months

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate predicting factors and prevalence of meningitis in patients with first seizure and fever aged 6-18 months old.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 800 patients aged 6-18 months old who had first attack of seizure with fever between March 2005 and March 2012 in the pediatric ward of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran.

RESULTS

Among 800 patients, lumbar puncture (LP) was performed in 453 (56.6%) patients, of whom 80 cases had meningitis (17.6% of LP patients). Postictal drowsiness (p=0.003), neurologic deficit (p=0.000), and body temperature >/=38.5&#730;C (p=0.035) were among the clinical signs, which were statistically significant predicting factors for meningitis. Laboratory tests including white blood count (WBC) >/=15000 mm3 (p=0.004), and hemoglobin (Hb) <10.5 gr/dl (p=0.020) also had statistical significance in predicting meningitis.

CONCLUSION

Postictal drowsiness, neurological deficit, body temperature >/=38.5&#730;C, WBC >/=15000 mm3, and Hb <10.5 gr/dl were clinical and laboratory factors predictive of meningitis in cases with first attack of seizure and fever.

Pediatric critical care

Care of the ill and injured child requires knowledge of unique pediatric anatomic and physiologic differences. Subtleties in presentation and pathophysiologic differences impact management. This article discusses pediatric resuscitation, the presentation and management of common childhood illness, pediatric trauma, and common procedures required in the critically ill child.

Treatment and prevention strategies to combat pediatric pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis is a severe, life-threatening infection of the nervous system affecting infants, children and adults alike. The incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in infants and children less than 2 years of age in Europe is approximately 10 out of 100,000 per year, rising to approximately 148 out of 100,000 per year in Gambian infants. The use of highly sensitive tests such as PCR may increase the likelihood of detecting the infection by 20% or more. Epidemics of serotype 1 pneumococcal meningitis in northern Ghana, have had many of the characteristics of meningococcal meningitis epidemics. Neurologic sequelae may occur in 28-63% of cases, and serotype 3 is associated with a 2.54 relative risk of death. The pathogenic process can be divided into invasion, inflammatory pathways, bacterial toxicity and damage; pneumolysin being particularly associated with apoptosis. In the future, neuroprotection may be achieved, targeting this process at all these levels. Therapeutic guidelines have been published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Standard empiric therapy, in those aged greater than or equal to 1 month, is a third-generation cephalosporin plus vancomycin. There is insufficient evidence relating to the use or otherwise of corticosteroids in pneumococcal meningitis to make a firm recommendation. The advent of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is the most powerful tool available for the prevention of pneumococcal meningitis in all parts of the world.

Febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures, affecting 2% to 5% of children. They are considered benign and self-limiting; however, a febrile seizure is a terrifying event for most parents, and is one of the most common causes of trips to the emergency room. A febrile seizure is "an event in infancy or childhood, usually occurring between 3 months and 5 years of age, associated with fever but without evidence of intracranial infection or defined cause." This definition excludes seizures with fever in children who have had a prior afebrile seizure. In 2011, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a clinical practice guideline defining a febrile seizure as "a seizure accompanied by fever (temperature ≥ 100.4°F or 38°C by any method), without central nervous system infection, that occurs in infants and children 6 through 60 months of age." Febrile seizures are further classified as simple or complex. This article reviews the evaluation, management, and prognosis of simple and complex seizures, including febrile status epilepticus.

Fever in the pediatric patient

Fever is the most common reason that children and infants are brought to emergency departments. Emergency physicians face the challenge of quickly distinguishing benign from life-threatening conditions. The management of fever in children is guided by the patient's age, immunization status, and immune status as well as the results of a careful physical examination and appropriate laboratory tests and radiographic views. In this article, the evaluation and treatment of children with fevers of known and unknown origin are described. Causes of common and dangerous conditions that include fever in their manifestation are also discussed.

Pediatric seizures

Seizures are a commonly encountered condition within the emergency department and, because of this, can engender complacency on the part of the physicians and staff. Unfortunately, there is significant associated morbidity and mortality with seizures, and they should never be regarded as routine. This point is particularly important with respect to seizures in pediatric patients. The aim of this review is to provide a current view of the various issues that make pediatric seizures unique and to help elucidate emergent evaluation and management strategies.

Necessity of lumbar puncture in patients presenting with new onset complex febrile seizures

Introduction: This study aims to characterize the population of patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED) for a first complex febrile seizure, and subsequently assess the rate of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) occurrence in this population. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify whether a specific subset of patients may be at lesser risk for ABM or other serious neurological disease.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed the charts of patients between the ages of 6 months to 5 years of age admitted to an ED between 2005 and 2010 for a first complex febrile seizure (CFS). The health information department generated a patient list based on admission and discharge diagnoses, which was screened for patient eligibility. Exclusion criteria included history of a complex febrile seizure, history of an afebrile seizure, trauma, or severe underlying neurological disorder. Data extracted included age, gender, relevant medical history, descriptions of seizure, treatment received, and follow-up data. Patients presenting with two short febrile seizures within 24 hours were then analyzed separately to assess health outcomes in this population.

Results: There were 193 patients were eligible. Lumbar puncture was performed on 136 subjects; it was significantly more likely to be performed on patients that presented with seizure focality, status epilepticus, or a need for intubation. Fourteen patients were found to have pleocytosis following white blood cell count correction, and 1 was diagnosed with ABM (0.5% [95% confidence interval: 0.0–1.5, n=193]). Forty-three patients had 2 brief febrile seizures within 24 hours. Of the 43, 17 received lumbar puncture while in the ED. None of these patients were found to have ABM or other serious neurological disease.

Conclusion: ABM is rare in patients presenting with a first complex febrile seizure. Patients presenting only with 2 short febrile seizures within 24 hours may be less likely to have ABM, and may not require lumbar puncture without other clinical symptoms of neurological disease.

Prolonged febrile seizures, clinical characteristics, and acute management

PURPOSE

Prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) lasting ≥15 min have been associated with increased risk for epilepsy in later life. Initial treatment, mostly prehospital, aims to prevent its evolution to febrile status epilepticus (FSE) and reduce adverse outcome. Paucity of information is available on the immediate treatment before reaching a hospital facility.

METHODS

We obtained data, prospectively, on all children who presented from January 2008 to March 2010 with PFS to the emergency rooms of four Israeli medical centers. Information related to seizure semiology, treatment, and medical history was collected into a predefined pro forma form and reviewed centrally.

KEY FINDINGS

Sixty children, median age 18.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 12-28) were included with a median seizure duration of 35 min (IQR 26-60), 43 (71.7%) lasting ≥30 min. Seizures had focal onset in 34 infants (57%). Fifty-four families (90%) activated the ambulance service; median ambulance arrival time was 8 min (IQR 5-10), 33 (61%) were medically treated by the ambulance paramedic, of whom 15 (45%) responded to treatment. Twelve children with active seizures did not receive medications. Initial treatment with rectal diazepam was more common in those with seizure duration >30 min.

SIGNIFICANCE

Most children with PFS are treated with antiepileptic drugs early by the ambulance service. However, even timely treatment does not prevent status epilepticus in the majority of cases. These data highlight the need for effective early treatment of this common pediatric emergency.

Febrile and other occasional seizures

Seizures with fever that result from encephalitis or meningitis usually occur late in the course of febrile illness, and are focal and prolonged. Febrile seizures are by far the most common affecting 5% of the population, followed by posttraumatic seizures and those observed in the setting of a toxic, infectious, or metabolic encephalopathy. This chapter reviews the clinical presentation of the three most common forms, due to fever, trauma, and intoxication. Febrile seizures carry no cognitive or mortality risk. Recurrence risk is increased by young age, namely before 1 year of age. Febrile seizures that persist after the age of 6 years are usually part of the syndrome of Generalized epilepsy febrile seizures plus. These febrile seizures have a strong link with epilepsy since non-febrile seizures may occur later in the same patient and in other members of the same family with an autosomal dominant transmission. Complex febrile seizures, i.e., with focal or prolonged manifestations or followed by focal defect, are related to later mesial temporal epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis; risk factors are seizure duration and brain malformation. Prophylactic treatment is usually not required in febrile seizures. Early onset of complex seizures is the main indication for AED prophylaxis. Early posttraumatic seizures, i.e., within the first week, are often focal and indicate brain trauma: contusion, hematoma, 24 hours amnesia, and depressed skull fracture are major factors of posttraumatic epilepsy. Prophylaxis with antiepileptic drugs is not effective. Various psychotropic drugs, including antiepileptics, may cause seizures.

Yield of diagnostic studies in children presenting with complex febrile seizures

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the yield of diagnostic workup in children presenting with complex febrile seizures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of charts of patients who presented to our pediatric emergency department with complex febrile seizures (focal, prolonged, or recurrent). Patients with known seizure disorder, congenital central nervous system malformations, or hydrocephalus were excluded. The charts were reviewed for diagnostic workup.

RESULTS

There were 71 eligible encounters (mean age, 1.5 years); 59.2% were males. None of the 71 patients had positive blood or urine cultures; none had abnormal blood count or serum chemistries. Only 1 patient who had a very abnormal presentation in febrile status epilepticus had positive cerebrospinal fluid culture and abnormal brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with complex febrile seizures do not require extensive diagnostic workup.

Diagnostic work-up and therapeutic options in management of pediatric status epilepticus

BACKGROUND

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurologic disorder comprising prolonged and unremitting crisis, and two or more series of seizures without complete intercritical recovery.

DATA SOURCES

We reviewed the literature through a Pubmed/Medline research using key words including status epilepticus, antiepileptic drugs and children, in order to revise and compare international/national protocols and to examine pediatric guidelines in SE management.

RESULTS

Neurologic impairment and SE etiology seem to be the most independent risks for mortality. A deep semiologic evaluation is essential to addressing diagnostic work-up. Ematochemical parameters, plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs and clinically oriented toxic/metabolic screening should be mandatory for investigating both causes and effects of SE. Electroencephalography is clearly helpful to characterize focal from generalized SE and to distinguish epileptic events from pseudoseizures, and it is deal to find nonconvulsive SE. Neuroimaging techniques could detect epileptogenic lesions (such as cortical malformations, tumors, demyelinating disorders or strokes) but are common in practice to find negative or controversial results. Pharmacologic management can be essentially arranged in three stages: benzodiazepines for early SE (lasting less than 30 minutes), phenytoin/fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, valproate, levetiracetam or lacosamide for established SE (30-90 minutes), and anesthetics for refractory SE (more than 90 minutes).

CONCLUSIONS

Status epilepticus is the most common neurologic emergency in childhood. A systematic diagnostic work-up and a three steps based therapeutic approach is required at this age.

Yield of emergent neuroimaging among children presenting with a first complex febrile seizure

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the risk of intracranial pathology requiring immediate intervention among children presenting with their first complex febrile seizure (CFS).

DESIGN/METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort review of patients 6 to 60 months of age evaluated in a pediatric emergency department between 1995 and 2008 for their first CFS. Cases were identified using computerized text search followed by manual chart review. We excluded patients with a prior history of a nonfebrile seizure disorder or a prior CFS, an immune-compromised state, an underlying illness associated with seizures or altered mental status, or trauma. Data extraction included age, sex, seizure features, prior simple febrile seizures, temperature, family history of seizures, vaccination status, findings on physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies, diagnosis, and disposition.

RESULTS

We identified a first CFS in 526 patients. Two hundred sixty-eight patients (50.4%) had emergent head imaging: 4 patients had a clinically significant finding: 2 had intracranial hemorrhage, 1 had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and 1 patient had focal cerebral edema (1.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.5%-4.0%). Assigning low risk to patients not imaged and not returning to the emergency department within a week of the original visit, the risk of intracranial pathology in our sample was 4 (0.8%; 95% confidence interval, 0.2%-2.1%) of 526. Three of these 4 patients had other obvious findings (nystagmus, emesis, and altered mental status; persistent hemiparesis; bruises suggestive of inflicted injury).

CONCLUSIONS

Very few patients with CFSs have intracranial pathology in the absence of other signs or symptoms. Patients presenting with more than one seizure in 24 hours in particular are at very low risk.

Management of suspected viral encephalitis in children - Association of British Neurologists and British Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infection Group national guidelines

In the 1980s the outcome of patients with herpes simplex encephalitis was shown to be dramatically improved with aciclovir treatment. Delays in starting treatment, particularly beyond 48 h after hospital admission, are associated with a worse prognosis. Several comprehensive reviews of the investigation and management of encephalitis have been published. However, their impact on day-to-day clinical practice appears to be limited. The emergency management of meningitis in children and adults was revolutionised by the introduction of a simple algorithm as part of management guidelines. In February 2008 a group of clinicians met in Liverpool to begin the development process for clinical care guidelines based around a similar simple algorithm, supported by an evidence base, whose implementation is hoped would improve the management of patients with suspected encephalitis.

Status Epilepticus in Children

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt treatment, including basic neuroresuscitation principles (the ABCs), antiepileptic drugs to stop the seizure and identification of etiology. It results from an inability to normally abort an isolated seizure either due to ineffective inhibition, or due to abnormally persistent excessive excitation. Symptomatic SE is more common in younger children and the likely etiology depends on the age of the child. Treating the precipitating cause may prevent ongoing neurologic injury and facilitates seizure control. Benzodiapenes, phenytoin and phenobarbital form the mainstay of treatment. A systematic treatment regimen, planned in advance, is needed, including one for refractory status epilepticus (RSE). Patient education and home management of seizures is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with SE.

Infectious causes of seizures and epilepsy in the developing world

Central nervous system (CNS) infections are the main cause of seizures and acquired epilepsy in the developing world. Geographical variations determine the common causes in a particular region. Acute seizures are common in severe meningitis, viral encephalitis, malaria, and neurocysticercosis, and in most cases are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including subsequent epilepsy. Neuronal excitability secondary to proinflammatory signals induced by CNS infections are an important common mechanism for the generation of seizures, in addition to various other specific mechanisms. Newer insights into the neurobiology of these infections and the associated epilepsy could help in developing neuroprotective interventions. Management issues include prompt treatment of acute seizures and the underlying CNS infection, correction of associated predisposing factors, and decisions regarding the appropriate choice and duration of antiepileptic therapy. Strategies for the prevention of epilepsy in CNS infections such as early anti-infective and anti-inflammatory therapy need scientific exploration. Prevention of CNS infections is the only definitive way forward to reduce the burden of epilepsy in developing countries.

Yield of lumbar puncture among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure (CFS).

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective, cohort review of patients aged 6 to 60 months who were evaluated in a pediatric emergency department (ED) between 1995 and 2008 for their first CFS. Cases were identified by using a computerized text search followed by a manual chart review. Exclusion criteria included prior history of nonfebrile seizures, an immunocompromised state, an underlying illness associated with seizures or altered mental status, or trauma. Data extracted included age, gender, seizure features, the number of previous simple febrile seizures, temperature, a family history of seizures, findings on physical examination, laboratory and imaging study results, and ED diagnosis and disposition.

RESULTS

We identified 526 patients. The median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13-24), and 44% were female. Ninety patients (17%) had a previous history of simple febrile seizures. Of the patients, 340 (64%) had a lumbar puncture (LP). The patients' median white blood cell count during a CFS was 1 cell per microL (interquartile range: 1-2), and 14 patients had CSF pleocytosis (2.7% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-4.5]). Three patients had ABM (0.9% [95% CI: 0.2-2.8]). Two had Streptococcus pneumoniae in a culture of their cerebrospinal fluid. Among these 2 patients, 1 was nonresponsive during presentation, and the other had a bulging fontanel and apnea. The third child appeared well; however, her blood culture grew S pneumoniae and failed the LP test. None of the patients for whom an LP was not attempted subsequently returned to the hospital with a diagnosis of ABM (0% [95% CI: 0, 0.9]).

CONCLUSION

Few patients who experienced a CFS had ABM in the absence of other signs or symptoms.

Febrile seizures - semiology in humans and animal models: evidence of focality and heterogeneity

The relationship between febrile seizures and hippocampal sclerosis has been the subject of longstanding discussion. Animal models for prolonged seizures have shown a clear causal relationship with focal limbic features at low dose and hippocampal damage at high dose. Careful history taking of febrile seizure semiology has shown focal early features often with clear temporal lobe elements. This would suggest that many febrile seizures are secondarily generalised hippocampal seizures. There is evidence of varying levels of epileptogenicity in specific infective causes of febrile seizures. Seizure semiology also suggests that a proportion of such seizures may be non-epileptic reflex asystolic attacks. Seizure semiology in febrile seizures deserves closer scrutiny.

Seizures in the context of acute illness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Seizures during an acute illness demand immediate evaluation, as they indicate an acute central nervous system insult. There are three goals: identify and treat the precipitating cause; determine the need for antiepileptic drug therapy; and recognize nonconvulsive seizures. Management depends upon whether there is a primary or secondary central nervous system insult. Seizures may persist despite antiepileptic drugs if the precipitating cause is untreated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Seizures and epilepsy and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities comprise a significant percentage of acute care in children. A continuum exists from a single seizure and escalating seizures to status epilepticus. Seizure treatment is more successful when given earlier, and prognosis depends on the cause. Guidelines for the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of status epilepticus have been produced. Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring reveals frequent nonconvulsive seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus in the sick child.

SUMMARY

The recognition and rapid treatment of clinical and electrographic seizures is important during acute illness.

Assessment of febrile seizures in children

Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures, affecting 2-5% of all children and usually appearing between 3 months and 5 years of age. Despite its predominantly benign nature, a febrile seizure (FS) is a terrifying experience for most parents. The condition is perhaps one of the most prevalent causes of admittance to pediatric emergency wards worldwide. FS, defined as either simple or complex, may be provoked by any febrile bacterial or (more usually) viral illness. No specific level of fever is required to diagnose FS. It is essential to exclude underlying meningitis in all children with FS, either clinically or, if any doubt remains, by lumbar puncture. There is no evidence, however, to support routine lumbar puncture in all children admitted with simple FS, especially when typical clinical signs of meningitis are lacking. The risk of epilepsy following FS is 1-6%. The association, however small, between FS and epilepsy may demonstrate a genetic link between FS and epilepsy rather than a cause and effect relationship. The effectiveness of prophylactic treatment with medication remains controversial. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of antipyretics in preventing future FS. Prophylactic use of paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both in FS, is thus a questionable practice. There is reason to believe that children who have experienced a simple FS are over-investigated and over-treated. This review aims to provide physicians with adequate knowledge to make rational assessments of children with febrile seizures.

Outcome of convulsive status epilepticus: a review

The outcome of CSE in childhood depends mainly upon the cause but length of seizure may also be important

The epidemiology of convulsive status epilepticus in children: a critical review

There is ongoing debate regarding the most appropriate definition of status epilepticus. This depends upon the research question being asked. Based on the most widely used "30 min definition," the incidence of childhood convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in developed countries is approximately 20/100,000/year, but will vary depending, among others, on socioeconomic and ethnic characteristics of the population. Age is a main determinant of the epidemiology of CSE and, even within the pediatric population there are substantial differences between older and younger children in terms of incidence, etiology, and frequency of prior neurological abnormalities or prior seizures. Overall, incidence is highest during the first year of life, febrile CSE is the single most common cause, around 40% of children will have previous neurological abnormalities and less than 15% will have a prior history of epilepsy. Outcome is mainly a function of etiology. However, the causative role of CSE itself on mesial temporal sclerosis and subsequent epilepsy or the influence of age, duration, or treatment on outcome of CSE remains largely unknown. Future studies should aim at clarifying these issues and identifying specific ethnic, genetic, or socioeconomic factors associated with CSE to pinpoint potential targets for its primary and secondary prevention.

Childhood convulsive status epilepticus: epidemiology, management and outcome

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in childhood is a medical emergency and its aetiology and outcome mean that it should be studied separately from adult CSE. The incidence in developed countries is between 17 and 23/100,000 with a higher incidence in younger children. Febrile CSE is the commonest single group with a good prognosis in sharp distinction to CSE related to central nervous system infections which have a high mortality. The aim of treatment is to intervene at 5 min and studies indicate that intravenous (i.v.) lorazepam may be a better first-line treatment than rectal diazepam and i.v. phenytoin a better second-line treatment than rectal paraldehyde. An epidemiological study strongly supports the development of prehospital treatment with buccal midazolam becoming a widely used but unlicensed option in the community. More than two doses of benzodiazepines increase the rate of respiratory depression without obvious benefit. The 1 year recurrence rate is 17% and the hospital mortality is about 3%.

Incidence, cause, and short-term outcome of convulsive status epilepticus in childhood: prospective population-based study

BACKGROUND

Convulsive status epilepticus is the most common childhood medical neurological emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most data for this disorder are from mainly adult populations and might not be relevant to childhood. Thus we undertook the North London Status Epilepticus in Childhood Surveillance Study (NLSTEPSS): a prospective, population-based study of convulsive status epilepticus in childhood, to obtain a uniquely paediatric perspective.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic data for episodes of childhood convulsive status epilepticus that took place in north London were obtained through a clinical network that covered the target population. We obtained these data from anonymised copies of a standardised admission proforma; accident and emergency, nursing, ambulance, and intensive-care unit notes; and interviews with parents, medical, nursing, and paramedic staff. We investigated ascertainment using capture-recapture modelling.

FINDINGS

Of 226 children enrolled, 176 had a first ever episode of convulsive status epilepticus. We estimated that ascertainment was between 62% and 84%. The ascertainment-adjusted incidence was between 17 and 23 episodes per 100,000 per year. 98 (56%, 95% CI 48-63) children were neurologically healthy before their first ever episode and 56 (57%, 47-66) of those children had a prolonged febrile seizure. 11 (12%, 6-18) of children with first ever febrile convulsive status epilepticus had acute bacterial meningitis. Conservative estimation of 1-year recurrence of convulsive status epilepticus was 16% (10-24%). Case fatality was 3% (2-7%).

INTERPRETATION

Convulsive status epilepticus in childhood is more common, has a different range of causes, and a lower risk of death than that in adults. These paediatric data will help inform management of convulsive status epilepticus and appropriate allocation of resources to reduce the effects of this disorder in childhood.

Update on the acute management of status epilepticus in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Status epilepticus is the most common neurologic emergency in children. The understanding of its less recognizable forms, its pharmacologic management, the role of electroencephalography and the long-term morbidity and mortality as a result of status epilepticus are consistently evolving. This review frames the current understanding of several issues as they apply to acute management in the emergency department.

RECENT FINDINGS

Researchers are working to define less recognizable forms of status epilepticus such as nonconvulsive, autonomic and psychogenic. Buccal and intranasal forms of midazolam are emerging as suitable alternatives to rectal diazepam in the initial treatment of status epilepticus. Valproic acid, chloral hydrate and newer-generation antiepileptics are being proposed as safe and effective alternatives to the traditional drugs used to treat status epilepticus. The role of electroencephalography in diagnosis is being elucidated. Risk factors for neurologic sequelae and mortality after status epilepticus remain an area of research with conflicting findings and no real consensus.

SUMMARY

The understanding of different types of status epilepticus, the options for pharmacologic treatment, the tools for diagnosis and the morbidity and mortality of the disease are still evolving. As a result, several areas for further research remain that will help clinicians in their approach to this complex condition.

Devastating epileptic encephalopathy in school-aged children (DESC): A pseudo encephalitis

PURPOSE

To describe the characteristics of a previously overlooked devastating epileptic encephalopathy that presents as intractable bilateral perisylvian epilepsy starting with prolonged status epilepticus (SE) in normally developing school-aged children.

METHODS

Retrospective study over 7 years of all normally developing children admitted in our institution for a prolonged SE following non-specific febrile illness with at least one seizure recorded on EEG.

RESULTS

Fourteen children were included at a median age of 7.5 years (4-11) (median follow-up of 4 years (1-7)). Intractable SE lasted 4-60 days (median 30). CSF cell count was normal in five cases and moderately increased in the others. During SE, seizures were recorded in 11 patients and involved temporal lobes in 7; the other 4 patients exhibited perisylvian clinical features with secondary generalization. Intractable epilepsy followed SE in all cases without any latent period. Persisting seizures were recorded in 10 patients and involved temporo-perisylvian regions in 8, frontal regions in 2; 3 others had perisylvian ictal semiology. Spiking was bilateral in 10 cases. MRI showed bilateral hippocampal hypersignal and/or atrophy in 10 cases (extended to the neocortex in 3). All children had major cognitive sequelae. When feasible (six patients), detailed neuropsychology suggested fronto-temporal impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Among so called grey matter encephalitis patients, we identified a recognizable pattern we propose to call Devastating Epileptic encephalopathy in School-age Children (DESC) that begins with prolonged SE triggered by fever of unknown cause, and persists as intractable perisylvian epilepsy with severe cognitive deterioration.

Epilepsy in children

10.5 million children worldwide are estimated to have active epilepsy. Over the past 15 years, syndrome-oriented clinical and EEG diagnosis, and better aetiological diagnosis, especially supported by neuroimaging, has helped to clarify the diversity of epilepsy in children, and has improved management. Perinatal and postinfective encephalopathy, cortical dysplasia, and hippocampal sclerosis account for the most severe symptomatic epilepsies. Ion channel defects can underlie both benign age-related disorders and severe epileptic encephalopathies with a progressive disturbance in cerebral function. However, the reasons for age-related expression in children are not understood. Neither are the mechanisms whereby an epileptic encephalopathy originates. Several new drugs have been recently introduced but have provided limited therapeutic benefits. However, treatment and quality of life have improved because the syndrome-specific efficacy profile of drugs is better known, and there is heightened awareness that compounds with severe cognitive side-effects and heavy polytherapies should be avoided. Epilepsy surgery is an important option for a few well-selected individuals, but should be considered with great caution when there is no apparent underlying brain lesion.