Higher mortality rate is associated with advanced age and periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in patients with refractory status epilepticus.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical data, electroencephalogram, etiology, classification, treatment, morbidity, and mortality in acute refractory status epilepticus. METHODS Fifteen patients, mean age of 41.3 years-old, six males, with refractory status epilepticus, were retrospectively studied. All of them were followed by serial electroencephalogram or continuous electroencephalographic monitoring. RESULTS The most common comorbidity was hypertension. Seven (46.7%) patients were diagnosed with previous symptomatic focal epilepsy. More than one etiology was identified in 40.0% of the cases. Status epilepticus partial complex was the most common (n=14, 93.3%), and discrete seizures were the most observed initial ictal pattern. Continuous intravenous midazolam was used in nine (60.0%) patients and continuous thiopental in three (20.0%). Nine (60.0%) participants died, one (6.6%) had neurological sequelae, and five (33.3%) presented no neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS Higher mortality rate was associated with advanced age and periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges. Midazolam proved to be a safe drug. The refractory status epilepticus is related to high mortality.