Unstandardized treatment of electroencephalographic status epilepticus does not improve outcome of comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Electroencephalographic status epilepticus occurs in 9-35% of comatose patients after cardiac arrest. Mortality is 90-100%. It is unclear whether (some) seizure patterns represent a condition in which anti-epileptic treatment may improve outcome, or severe ischemic damage, in which treatment is futile. We explored current treatment practice and its effect on patients' outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients that were treated with anti-epileptic drugs from our prospective cohort study on the value of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) in comatose patients after cardiac arrest. Outcome at 6 months was dichotomized between "good" [cerebral performance category (CPC) 1 or 2] and "poor" (CPC 3, 4, or 5). EEG analyses were done at 24 h after cardiac

SUBMITTER: Hofmeijer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3978332 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature