Severe forms of status epilepticus

Abstract

Severe forms of status epilepticus needing ventilation with or without the need for a general anaesthetic were studied among the children admitted to the paediatric department at Assir Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. From November 1988 to April 1990, 255 children were admitted because of fits, of whom 12 (4.7%) developed severe status epilepticus and required admission to the intensive care unit for ventilation. This group was studied in detail with regard to past history, course in the hospital and outcome. Five children recovered fully, four were left with neurological disability, and three died. The need to ventilate a patient or give a general anaesthetic for status epilepticus rarely arises in ordinary clinical practice. This study demonstrates the importance of these measures to reduce the risks of permanent neurological deficit and, possibly, death in severe status epilepticus.