Clinical Profile of Status Epilepticus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Amey Kishor Bhise, Shalin Dipin ShahAim
The study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and etiological profile of patients with status epilepticus (SE) in a tertiary care hospital, assess electroencephalography (EEG) findings, treatment response, short-term outcomes, and identify factors associated with refractoriness and mortality.
Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India between November 2019 and December 2021. A total of 44 patients aged >12 years diagnosed with SE were included. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from patients or their legally authorized representatives. Detailed clinical, biochemical, EEG, and neuroimaging data were collected. SE subtypes were classified according to the International League Against Epilepsy 2015 guidelines. Outcomes were assessed using the Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS) and modified Rankin Scale.
Results
The mean age was 41.68 ± 17.7 years, with females constituting 56.8% of the cohort. Central nervous system infections (31.8%) and antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal (15.9%) were the leading etiologies. Refractory SE occurred in 29.6% while super-refractory SE occurred in 13.6% of patients. The overall mortality was 22.7%. Higher STESS scores (≥3), acute symptomatic etiologies, delayed initiation of ASM (>1 hour), and refractory SE were significantly associated with poor outcomes and mortality (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
SE remains a major neurological emergency in developing regions, predominantly driven by infectious and acute symptomatic causes. Early recognition, prompt initiation of antiseizure therapy, and aggressive management of refractory cases are critical for improving survival and functional outcomes.