The Outcome of Status Epilepticus and Long-Term Follow-Up.

Objective

This study was to investigate the outcome of status epilepticus (SE) associated with antiepileptic therapy during SE and in follow-up period, risk factors including age, co-morbidities, pre-existing epilepsy, and etiology in the East-Hungarian region.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional database was compiled from outpatient files between 2013 and 2017. Follow-up ended on 30.06.2018.

Results

One hundred and thirty five episodes (male: 68, 50.4%) were evaluated, mean age and follow-up time being 64.1 ± 13.9 years and 39.9 ± 14.2 months, respectively. Of the 89 patients with pre-existing epilepsy, 34 failed to visit the outpatient unit regularly. Case fatality rate was 25.2% and 31 patients (30.7%) died after discharge due to co-morbidities; their mean survival time was 10.44 ± 8 months. Focal, generalized and combined type epilepsies were diagnosed in 67 patients (49.6%), 47 patients (34.8%), and 21 patients (15.6%) of SE, respectively. Nine patients had non-convulsive SE (NCSE). Mean seizure-free period was 6.8 ± 6.9 months. Patients taking carbamazepine (20.9%; OR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.16-0.82; p = 0.018), levetiracetam (27.5%; OR: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27-0.97; p = 0.041), or valproate (11.1%; OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.05-0.61; p = 0.0043) were expected to achieve seizure freedom after SE. The worst outcome was linked to advanced age, etiology, new onset status epilepticus, NCSE, and focal status epilepsy.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of regular care and patient follow-up.