Manejo y factores de riesgo de mortalidad del estatus epiléptico: estudio retrospectivo / Status epilepticus management and mortality risk factors: A retrospective study

Introducción: El estatus epiléptico (SE, por sus siglas en inglés) es una urgencia neurológica con altas tasas de mortalidad. En este estudio analizamos el manejo del SE e identificamos factores de riesgo de mortalidad en los que realizar intervenciones de mejora o modificaciones en los protocolos de actuación hospitalarios. Métodos: Retrospectivamente se analizaron los datos demográficos de tratamiento y pronóstico de 65 pacientes (59 [44,5-77] años, 53,8% mujeres) que ingresaron en un hospital terciario cumpliendo los criterios de SE de la ILAE 2015, durante un periodo de 18 meses. Resultados: Treinta (46,2%) pacientes tenían antecedentes de epilepsia. Las causas más frecuentes de SE fueron enfermedad cerebrovascular (27,7%) e infección sistémica (16,9%). Se registraron desviaciones respecto al tratamiento habitual: la administración de las benzodiazepinas como primer fármaco solo en 33 (50,8%) pacientes, la combinación de 2 benzodiazepinas en 7 (10,8%) pacientes y el uso off-label de lacosamida en 5 (7,7%) pacientes. El electroencefalograma (EEG) fue realizado únicamente en 26 (40%) pacientes y solo 5 EEG (7,7% de pacientes) en las primeras 12 h. La tasa de mortalidad fue del 21,5%. Ictus agudo y complicaciones cerebrovasculares se asociaron con mortalidad, mientras que epilepsia previa e ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) fueron factores de buen pronóstico (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Para mejorar el manejo del SE y reducir la tasa de mortalidad, sería recomendable implementar actividades formativas dirigidas a los profesionales del departamento de urgencias, así como el ingreso electivo en la UCI para pacientes con factores de riesgo (primera crisis epiléptica, con ictus agudo o complicaciones cardiovasculares). (AU)

Introduction: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency with relatively high mortality rates. In this study, we analysed the management of SE and identified mortality risk factors that may be addressed with educational interventions or modifications to hospital protocols. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed demographic, treatment, and outcome data from 65 patients (mean age, 59 years [range, 44.5-77]; 53.8% women) who were admitted to our tertiary hospital during an 18-month period and met the 2015 International League Against Epilepsy criteria for SE. Results: Thirty patients (46.2%) had history of epilepsy. The most frequent causes of SE were cerebrovascular disease (27.7%) and systemic infection (16.9%). The following deviations were observed in the administration of the antiepileptic drugs: benzodiazepines were used as first option in only 33 (50.8%) patients; the combination of 2 benzodiazepines was recorded in 7 cases (10.8%); and lacosamide was used as an off-label drug in 5 patients (7.7%). Electroencephalography studies were performed in only 26 patients (40%); and only 5 studies (7.7% of patients) were performed within 12 hours of seizure onset. The mortality rate was 21.5%. Acute stroke and cerebrovascular complications were associated with higher mortality rates, while previous history of epilepsy and admission to intensive care were related to better prognosis (P <.05). Conclusions: To improve SE management and reduce mortality rates, training activities targeting emergency department physicians should be implemented, together with elective intensive care admission for patients with multiple mortality risk factors (eg, absence of history of epilepsy, acute stroke, or cardiovascular complications). (AU)

Status epilepticus management and mortality risk factors: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency with relatively high mortality rates. In this study, we analysed the management of SE and identified mortality risk factors that may be addressed with educational interventions or modifications to hospital protocols. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed demographic, treatment, and outcome data from 65 patients (mean age, 59 years [range, 44.5-77]; 53.8% women) who were admitted to our tertiary hospital during an 18-month period and met the 2015 International League Against Epilepsy criteria for SE. RESULTS: Thirty patients (46.2%) had history of epilepsy. The most frequent causes of SE were cerebrovascular disease (27.7%) and systemic infection (16.9%). The following deviations were observed in the administration of the antiepileptic drugs: benzodiazepines were used as first option in only 33 (50.8%) patients; the combination of 2 benzodiazepines was recorded in 7 cases (10.8%); and lacosamide was used as an off-label drug in 5 patients (7.7%). Electroencephalography studies were performed in only 26 patients (40%); and only 5 studies (7.7% of patients) were performed within 12 hours of seizure onset. The mortality rate was 21.5%. Acute stroke and cerebrovascular complications were associated with higher mortality rates, while previous history of epilepsy and admission to intensive care were related to better prognosis (P <  .05). CONCLUSIONS: To improve SE management and reduce mortality rates, training activities targeting emergency department physicians should be implemented, together with elective intensive care admission for patients with multiple mortality risk factors (eg, absence of history of epilepsy, acute stroke, or cardiovascular complications).

Status epilepticus management and mortality risk factors: A retrospective study. / Manejo y factores de riesgo de mortalidad del estatus epiléptico: estudio retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency with relatively high mortality rates. In this study, we analysed the management of SE and identified mortality risk factors that may be addressed with educational interventions or modifications to hospital protocols. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed demographic, treatment, and outcome data from 65 patients (mean age, 59 years [range, 44.5-77]; 53.8% women) who were admitted to our tertiary hospital during an 18-month period and met the 2015 International League Against Epilepsy criteria for SE. RESULTS: Thirty patients (46.2%) had history of epilepsy. The most frequent causes of SE were cerebrovascular disease (27.7%) and systemic infection (16.9%). The following deviations were observed in the administration of the antiepileptic drugs: benzodiazepines were used as first option in only 33 (50.8%) patients; the combination of 2 benzodiazepines was recorded in 7 cases (10.8%); and lacosamide was used as an off-label drug in 5 patients (7.7%). Electroencephalography studies were performed in only 26 patients (40%); and only 5 studies (7.7% of patients) were performed within 12 hours of seizure onset. The mortality rate was 21.5%. Acute stroke and cerebrovascular complications were associated with higher mortality rates, while previous history of epilepsy and admission to intensive care were related to better prognosis (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: To improve SE management and reduce mortality rates, training activities targeting emergency department physicians should be implemented, together with elective intensive care admission for patients with multiple mortality risk factors (eg, absence of history of epilepsy, acute stroke, or cardiovascular complications).

Síndrome de cefalea transitoria con déficits neurológicos asociados y pleocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo (HaNDL) con cuadro confusional, EEG compatible con afectación difusa y datos de vasoespasmo bilateral en estudio Doppler transcraneal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) in a patient with confusional symptoms, diffuse EEG abnormalities, and bilateral vasospasm in transcranial Doppler ultrasound: A case report and literature review

Introducción: El síndrome de cefalea y déficits neurológicos transitorios con pleocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo (acrónimo en inglés, HaNDL) se caracteriza por la presencia de uno o más episodios de cefalea y déficits neurológicos transitorios asociados con linfocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo. Hasta la fecha actual se han reportado escasos episodios de HaNDL con clínica compatible con cuadro confusional, y no se encuentran descritas mediciones de Doppler transcraneal (DTC) en pacientes afectos de HaNDL y cuadro confusional. En los registros DTC realizados en pacientes con afectación focal se han objetivado datos indicativos de alteraciones vasomotoras. Desarrollo: Presentamos el caso clínico y los resultados de pruebas complementarias de un varón de 42años afecto de cefalea, síndrome confusional, pleocitosis, electroencefalograma (EEG) con enlentecimiento difuso, DTC con elevación de velocidades en ambas arterias cerebrales medias y tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único compatible con afectación difusa de predominio hemisférico izquierdo. Conclusiones: Aportamos a la literatura el primer paciente descrito que aúna síndrome de HaNDL, cuadro confusional, EEG compatible con afectación difusa y DTC con aceleración de velocidades. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren una relación entre las alteraciones vasomotoras y la fisiopatología del HaNDL, y consideramos que el DTC es una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico precoz del HaNDL

Introduction: HaNDL syndrome (transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis) is characterised by one or more episodes of headache and transient neurological deficits associated with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis. To date, few cases of HaNDL manifesting with confusional symptoms have been described. Likewise, very few patients with HaNDL and confusional symptoms have been evaluated with transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). TCD data from patients with focal involvement reveal changes consistent with vasomotor alterations. Development: We present the case of a 42-year-old man who experienced headache and confusional symptoms and displayed pleocytosis, diffuse slow activity on EEG, increased blood flow velocity in both middle cerebral arteries on TCD, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings suggestive of diffuse involvement, especially in the left hemisphere. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first description of a patient with HaNDL, confusional symptoms, diffuse slow activity on EEG, and increased blood flow velocity in TCD. Our findings suggest a relationship between cerebral vasomotor changes and the pathophysiology of HaNDL. TCD may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of HaNDL

Syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) in a patient with confusional symptoms, diffuse EEG abnormalities, and bilateral vasospasm in transcranial Doppler ultrasound: A case report and literature review. / Síndrome de cefalea transitoria con déficits neurológicos asociados y pleocitosis en líquido cefalorraquídeo (HaNDL) con cuadro confusional, EEG compatible con afectación difusa y datos de vasoespasmo bilateral en estudio Doppler transcraneal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: HaNDL syndrome (transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis) is characterised by one or more episodes of headache and transient neurological deficits associated with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis. To date, few cases of HaNDL manifesting with confusional symptoms have been described. Likewise, very few patients with HaNDL and confusional symptoms have been evaluated with transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). TCD data from patients with focal involvement reveal changes consistent with vasomotor alterations. DEVELOPMENT: We present the case of a 42-year-old man who experienced headache and confusional symptoms and displayed pleocytosis, diffuse slow activity on EEG, increased blood flow velocity in both middle cerebral arteries on TCD, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings suggestive of diffuse involvement, especially in the left hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first description of a patient with HaNDL, confusional symptoms, diffuse slow activity on EEG, and increased blood flow velocity in TCD. Our findings suggest a relationship between cerebral vasomotor changes and the pathophysiology of HaNDL. TCD may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of HaNDL.