New onset refractory status epilepticus after BNT162b2 nCoV-19

Abstract

Coronavirus is a pathogen that caused fatal pneumonia cases in Wuhan province of China in December 2019 [1]. It was declared as a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization [2]. The disease is a severe acute respiratory syndrome with multi-organ involvement, including the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal and neurological system. Neurological manifestations may be common in COVID-19 patients [3]. Among these, several autoimmunity-affecting syndromes that may result in encephalitis and new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) have been described. New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is an uncommon clinical entity with a mortality rate of 16-27% in adults and significant long-term neurological sequelae. Approximately 50% of patients with NORSE have an unknown aetiology. There is a lack of consensus regarding the best treatment options available for managing patients with NORSE. However, immediate cessation of seizure activity, early institution of continuous infusion of anaesthetic agents, and immunotherapies can play an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality in NORSE.