Long-term prognosis and predictors of outcomes after childhood convulsive status epilepticus

Abstract

Objective:Childhood convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is widely known to be associated with short-term and long-term mortality and morbidity, but the role of CSE itself on adverse outcomes is debatable. The additional effect of CSE characteristics on outcomes after CSE and whether prolonged seizures cause any long-term hippocampal injury which leads to developmental or memory impairment is uncertain. This review provides an overview of long-term prognosis after childhood CSE, highlighting data from recent literature.Findings:In previously normal children, the long-term prognosis after childhood CSE is favorable, with low incidence of epilepsy, motor, and cognitive difficulties. Mesial temporal sclerosis is uncommon in children after prolonged febrile seizures. In children with symptomatic causes and those with pre-existing neurological abnormalities, there is substantial morbidity after childhood CSE. Etiology is the primary determinant of outcome after childhood CSE and the additional effect of CSE characteristics such as seizure duration seems to be less than previously believed.