Morbidity and mortality in status epilepticus.

The outcome of status epilepticus (SE) depends on its cause, clinical prese ntation, duration, treatment, and the patient's age. It has been estimated that in nearly all cases (about 98%), mortality is directly or indirectly d ue to the underlying disorder. It is particularly significant in generalize d tonic-clonic SE. The clinical presentation of SE is strongly cause-depend ent, and its etiology is markedly age-dependent in infants, children, young adults and the elderly. When SE is of long duration, due to its etiology, delayed treatment, or inappropriate drug administration, it results in brai n lesions and the accompanying risk of sequelae or death. The highest morta lity rates in SE are those at the extremes of the average life-span, i.e., in infants and young children and in the elderly. Possible SE sequelae are neurologic deficits or cognitive impairment, and/or unprovoked seizures. Th e outcome in cases of SE has considerably improved due to the early prescri ption of effective antiepileptic drugs. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.