Electrographic seizures after status epilepticus

Abstract

The percentage of children who demonstrate electrographic seizures after convulsive status epilepticus has been unknown. In this issue of The Journal, Sánchez Fernández et al from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School report the results of a multicenter retrospective study of the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features of 98 children (1 month to 21 years of age; median age 5 years) who underwent continuous EEG monitoring following clinical convulsive status epilepticus. Electrographic seizures were identified in 32 children (33%), and 11 had only electrographic seizures. Fifteen had electrographic status epilepticus. Recurrence of electrographic seizures after convulsive status epilepticus was associated with a diagnosis of epilepsy, and the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges. It was also noted that the children with electrographic seizures had longer stays in the pediatric intensive care unit. These results, therefore, fill a gap in the literature in showing that one-third of children demonstrate electrographic seizures following convulsive status epilepticus and one-third of those have electrographic-only seizures. The data identify risk factors for such seizures. Article page 339▶ Electrographic Seizures after Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children and Young Adults: A Retrospective Multicenter StudyThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 164Issue 2PreviewTo describe the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of electrographic seizures after convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). Full-Text PDF