A STUDY ON ETIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS-12 YEARS WITH STATUS EPILEPTICUS ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: A seizure is transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms resulting from abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Seizures are the commonest pediatric neurological problem, by themselves or as manifestation of many underlying problems. Status Epilepticus (SE) means that seizures continue for prolonged periods.
Materials and Methods: The study started with taking after giving informed consent followed by proper selection of infants of 2 months to 12 years old children who fitted in the operational definition of status epilepticus. Consents from parents of the children enrolled were taken. After initial management investigations sent were blood glucose, blood gas analysis haematological,
biochemical and microbiological study of blood (Urine and CSF where needed), brain imaging (MRI brain, CT scan) Electroencephalogram (EEG).
Results: As per CSF for JE antibody findings 3(6.0%) patients had negative CSF and 4 (4.0%) had positive CSF. CSF for JE Antibody was not done for 90 (90.0%) patients. As per CSF antibodies to HSV 4(4.0%) patients had negative findings and 6(6.0%) had positive findings.
CSF antibodies to HSV was not done for 90 (90.0%) patients.
Conclusion: Status epilepticus is a common neurological emergency in children. Management requires simultaneous resuscitation and medical stabilization, diagnosis of the underlying cause, and definitive rapid treatment. The mortality and morbidity associated with SE has decreased over the years due to a systematic approach and prompt management. Earlier the time frame for definition of status epilepticus was 30 minutes. But the use of operational definition of 5 mins., is helpful as it prevents brain damage. This was the reason for using the operational definition of 5 mins. In our study. As most of our patients presented with fever, control of fever is important in domiciliary setting.