Status epilepticus and acute repetitive seizures in children, adolescents, and young adults: Etiology, outcome, and treatment

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurologic emergencies in children, adolescents, and young adults. SE may be due to acute neurologic conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, or stroke, complicated febrile seizures, intractable epilepsy, degenerative diseases, intoxication, or may be the first manifestation of epilepsy. Initial treatment of convulsive SE is usually with an intravenous benzodiazepine (BZD) [lorazepam (LZP) or diazepam (DZP)], phenobarbital (PB), or phenytoin (PHT). LZP is less likely to cause respiratory depression than DZP and is therefore preferred. Sequelae and risk for recurrence of SE are primarily related to the underlying cause. Refractory SE (RSE) is most often symptomatic of an acute neurologic condition or neurodegenerative disease. Treatment for RSE is difficult, usually requiring intensive support of vital functions. Reported treatments for RSE include very high dose PB, continuous infusions of pentobarbital or BZDs (DZP, midazolam), lidocaine, inhalation anesthesia, and propofol. Outcome is related to underlying cause. Nonconvulsive SE may present as confusion or may mimic psychiatric illness. Response to BZDs is usually rapid but may not be sustained. Rapid initiation of oral or rectal valproate may be useful. Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is almost always due to an acute or chronic destructive lesion. Surgical treatment may be the only effective modality in some children with EPC. Acute treatment of breakthrough seizures and clusters of seizures at home with rectal BZDs (usually DZP, 0.2-0.5 mg/kg) may prevent progression to SE in some children and adolescents and reduce the need for visits to emergency facilities.