Generalized periodic discharges in the critically ill: a case-control study of 200 patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Generalized periodic discharges are increasingly recognized on continuous EEG monitoring, but their relationship to seizures and prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

All adults with generalized periodic discharges from 1996 to 2006 were matched 1:1 to controls by age, etiology, and level of consciousness. Overall, 200 patients with generalized periodic discharges were matched to 200 controls.

Results

Mean age was 66 years (range 18-96); 56% were comatose. Presenting illnesses included acute brain injury (44%), acute systemic illness (38%), cardiac arrest (15%), and epilepsy (3%). A total of 46% of patients with generalized periodic discharges had a seizure during their hospital stay (almost half were focal), vs 34% of controls (p = 0.014). Convulsive seizures

SUBMITTER: Foreman B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3484988 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature