Association between electrographic seizures and better neurological functional outcomes in non-convulsive status epilepticus.

OBJECTIVE

In non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), predicting patient outcomes is crucial in deciding treatment intensity. However, electroencephalograms (EEGs) of NCSE show various patterns, and their relationship with functional outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to examine the relationship between NCSE EEG patterns and functional outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from 105 NCSE patients without cardiopulmonary arrest at two centers and compared functional outcomes in NCSE patients with electrographic seizures (ESz) and those with rhythmic/periodic patterns (RPPs) at discharge. Functional outcomes were assessed using the dichotomized modified Rankin scale (≥4 or less), with univariate and multivariate analyses conducted on patient backgrounds and therapeutic interventions. We compared background activities and discharge waveforms in periodic discharges (PDs) using the Fourier transform.

RESULTS

ESz independently predicted better outcomes after adjusting for severity (Glasgow Coma Scale and Epidemiology-based Mortality Score). In PDs, the group with better outcomes exhibited larger alpha-band background activity and larger post-discharge slow waves.

CONCLUSIONS

NCSE with ESz was associated with better functional outcomes than RPPs alone. Spared alpha-band background activity and larger amplitude of post-discharge slow shifts may indicate spared brain function in patients with PDs.

SIGNIFICANCE: These results could assist in predicting outcomes and deciding treatment intensity in NCSE.