Baseline and outcome assessment in pediatric status epilepticus

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize different aspects of short and long-term outcomes associated with SE, including mortality, recurrence, subsequent epilepsy, neurocognitive dysfunction, imaging abnormalities, and health-related quality of life.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE for studies that assessed the short-term and long-term outcome of status epilepticus in pediatric population, including mortality, recurrence of seizure and status epilepticus, neurological, cognitive, or behavioral impairment, and health-related quality of life. We excluded studies that exclusively assessed the adult population.

Results: Mortality in pediatric SE is relatively low, while morbidity poses more challenges. The underlying cause of SE has been shown to be a major determinant in the outcome after SE. However, it is difficult to establish the net effect of SE on outcome due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Notably, this review highlights that health-related quality of life, an important aspect of long-term outcome in pediatric SE, is under-addressed and merits further investigation.

Conclusion: There is a need to acquire high-quality long-term data evaluating QoL, neuroimaging, use of continuous infusions, and cognitive and behavioral outcome of children who experience SE.

Keywords: Morbidity; Mortality; Outcome assessment (health care); Pediatrics; Quality of life; Status epilepticus.