Epidemiology of Status Epilepticus Among Children in Qatar in 2008

Abstract

Abstract Background: Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in childhood is a medical emergency and its epidemiology should be studied separately from adult CSE; this study reviewed pediatric cases reported in Qatar in 2008. Methods: A retrospective study for a defined pediatric age group (30 days <  age <  15 years) with SE was carried out in Qatar for 12 months and included 25 patients. Results:: Of the patients, 56% male, 44% female, 56% were younger than 2 years, and 52% had febrile status epilepticus, 76.9% of whom were boys. All who displayed prolonged seizure status (more than 45 min) had abnormal EEG and brain CT readings and required a prolonged stay in PICU; 20% had history of status epilepticus before. Conclusions:: The incidence of SE in Qatar is similar to reports around the world, and the age-specific incidence pattern is similar as well. Febrile status epilepticus is the most important cause especially in boys. Symptomatic SE has a significantly longer duration with higher risk for recurrence than idiopathic SE.