Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency and is associated with significant mortality and long-term morbidity in children. There is paucity of data on the clinical presentations and outcome of children presenting with SE particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients admitted at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with convulsive SE for the period of one year and document the clinical characteristics and outcome.

Results: A total of 518 patients were admitted in PICU over the study duration, of which 30 (5.8%) had convulsive SE. The median age was 24 months (IQR 4-156,) males were 20(66.7%). The common aetiologies observed were Meningitis/Encephalitis 22(73.7%) and Epilepsy 3(10%). Brain imaging was done 16(53%) patients and commonest findings were Acute infarct 4(25%) and leptomeningeal enhancements 3(18%). The median duration of PICU admission was 3.5 days (IQR 1-42). Half of the patients required ventilator support, with the median ventilator duration of 4(IQR 1-36) days. Of all the patients admitted with convulsive SE 11(36.7%) died. Eighteen patients were tested for HIV, out of which 2(11.1%) were positive. Conclusions: Mortality is common in children presenting with convulsive SE in Tanzania with Meningitis/Encephalitis being the common aetiology. Recommendation: Early identification of children presenting with Meningitis/Encephalitis is important in preventing mortality of children with convulsive SE.

Victoria Ndembo
c
Tanzania

Aika Shoo
Muhimbili National Hospital
Tanzania

Zameer Fakih
Muhimbili National Hospital
Tanzania

David Kombo
Muhimbili National Hospital
Tanzania

Obrey Urio
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Tanzania

Anna Msafiri
Muhimbili National Hospital
Tanzania

Ayoub Trash
Muhimbili National Hospital
Tanzania

Edward Kija
Muhimbili University of Heath and Allied Sciences
Tanzania