AOCCN 2025: Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of Status Epilepticus in Children and Risk Factors for the Development of Refractory Status Epilepticus

Presenter: Dr. Kirti Tripathi

Status epilepticus (SE) is a critical pediatric neurological emergency with high morbidity, especially in refractory SE (RSE).

A prospective study of 238 children (1 month–14 years) in North India (2023–2025) found RSE in 20.6% of cases, strongly linked to acute symptomatic etiologies, mainly CNS infections (56%). Predictors included altered sensorium, seizures >60 minutes, hypotension, EEG abnormalities, and structural neuroimaging changes. Status Epilepticus Paediatric Severity Score (STEPSS) ≥3 correlated with RSE and poor short-term outcomes. Mortality was 10%, higher in RSE (20.4%).

Early risk identification and aggressive management improve prognosis; STEPSS is a valuable tool for stratifying pediatric SE severity.

AOCCN 2025, September 17th-20th 2025, New Delhi, India.