Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in peritoneal dialysis patients

This report describes nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in four patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis therapy. All patients presented with acute confusion or stuporous state without clinical motor seizures. Three patients had active systemic infections and were being administered antibiotics. Diagnoses were confirmed in all cases by electroencephalogram (EEG), which showed characteristic diffuse sharp waves and spikes. The EEG appearance improved after anticonvulsant therapy. All patients had satisfactory control of their electrical seizure activity and made varying degrees of mental recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first reported series of NCSE in patients with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis therapy. It shows NCSE as a differential diagnosis for acute confusion. We emphasize the need for nephrologists to consider NCSE as a differential diagnosis for uremic encephalopathy. (C) 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.