Introduction: The aim of the study was an analysis of causes, clinical symptoms, complications and predictors of an unfavorable course of status epilepticus (SE).
Material and methods: Retrospective evaluation of medical files of 28 patients (17 M, 11 F, aged 52 +/- 15 yrs) was made. Patients were treated for status epilepticus in a Neurology Clinic in Zabrze between January 1997 and March 2008.
Results: Chronic epilepsy existed in 64% pts, for 10 yrs on an average, in 10% pts SE was a subsequent one. Chronic alcoholism was defined as a most frequent cause of SE, followed by cerebrovascular disorders and brain tumor (32, 14 and 14%, resp.); in 25% pts the cause was not specified. Generalized seizures predominated (82%), in 90% they lasted longer than 60 minutes. In 43% pts biochemical inflammatory indicators on admission were found, more than 20% had fever, in 10% pneumonia was diagnosed. 1/3 of individuals suffered from respirocirculatory insufficiency and in more than 21% new neurological deficits appeared. In treatment, following benzodiazepines, intravenous phenytoin (50%) was used. 35% pts was subjected to pharmacological coma, predominantly by means of thiopental and propofol (25 and 7%, resp.). Mechanical ventilation was necessary in 40% pts. Mortality rate was 32%, with 33% of deaths on the 1st day and 78% before the 7th day.
Conclusions: Chronic alcoholism and older age predominate among causes of death in patient with SE.