Seizure recurrences in generalized convulsive status epilepticus under sedation: What are its predictors and its impact on outcome?

M Dhoisne; A Delval; D Mathieu; A Mazeraud; L Bournisien; P Derambure; R Tortuyaux

doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2023.09.006

Seizure recurrences in generalized convulsive status epilepticus under sedation: What are its predictors and its impact on outcome?

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2023 Dec 4:S0035-3787(23)01112-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.09.006. Online ahead of print.

Authors

M Dhoisne¹, A Delval², D Mathieu³, A Mazeraud⁴, L Bournisien³, P Derambure², R Tortuyaux⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, hôpital Roger-Salengro, CHU de Lille, avenue du Professeur-Emile-Laine, 59000 Lille, France.
² Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, hôpital Roger-Salengro, CHU de Lille, avenue du Professeur-Emile-Laine, 59000 Lille, France; Inserm, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France.
³ Intensive Care Unit, CHU de Lille, Lille, France.
⁴ Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, GHU de Paris psychiatrie et neurosciences, Paris, France; Département neurosciences, unité perception et mémoire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
⁵ Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, hôpital Roger-Salengro, CHU de Lille, avenue du Professeur-Emile-Laine, 59000 Lille, France; Intensive Care Unit, CHU de Lille, Lille, France. Electronic address: romain.tortuyaux@chu-lille.fr.

PMID: 38052663
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.09.006

Abstract

Background: Management of status epilepticus (SE) is focused on the early seizure termination. Refractory SE is an indication for sedation in patients with SE, but up to 75% of patients may be ventilated due to a neurological or respiratory failure. In patients requiring sedation, the clinical assessment is not sufficient to assess seizure control. Identifying those at risk of recurrent seizures could be useful to adapt their management. On the other hand, patients with low risk could benefit from an early withdrawal of sedation to avoid the impact of inappropriate sedation on outcome.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and the predictors of uncontrolled SE and its impact on outcome in patients with generalized convulsive SE (GCSE) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods: We retrospectively included patients admitted to the intensive care unit with GCSE requiring MV. Uncontrolled SE was defined as persistent or recurrent seizures during sedation or within 24hours following withdrawal. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the associated factors.

Results: Uncontrolled SE occurred in 37 out of 220 patients (17%). Persistent seizures at admission, higher SAPS II and central nervous system infection were associated with a higher risk of uncontrolled SE. Acute toxic or metabolic etiologies were associated with a decreased risk of uncontrolled SE. In a supplementary analysis, decrease of albumin blood levels was associated with uncontrolled SE. Uncontrolled SE was associated with a poor functional outcome and mortality at 90 days.

Conclusions: Seventeen percent of patients with a GCSE requiring MV suffered from uncontrolled SE. Etiology and persistent seizures at admission were the main predictors of uncontrolled SE. Patients with uncontrolled SE had a longer duration of sedation and MV, a poor functional outcome and a higher mortality. Further studies are required to determine the impact of continuous electroencephalogram monitoring on the clinical course.

Keywords: Anesthetic drugs; Generalized convulsive status epilepticus; Intensive care unit; Mechanical ventilation; Seizure recurrence.