Nonconvulsive status epilepticus due to drug induced neurotoxicity in chronically ill children

• Published in: Brain & development (Tokyo. 1979) Vol. 34; no. 10; pp. 824 - 828
• Main Authors: Ekici, Arzu, Yakut, Ayten, Kural, Nurdan, Bör, Özcan, Yimenicioğlu, Sevgi, Çarman, Kürşat Bora
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Adolescent; Cephalosporins; Chemotherapeutic agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Electroencephalography; Female; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute - drug therapy; Male; Neurology; Neurotoxicity Syndromes - drug therapy; Nonconvulsive status epilepticus; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma - drug therapy; Renal failure; Renal Insufficiency - drug therapy; Status Epilepticus - chemically induced; Status Epilepticus - diagnosis; Status Epilepticus - drug therapy; Treatment Outcome; Triphasic wave; Electroencephalography; Cephalosporins; Nonconvulsive status epilepticus; Chemotherapeutic agents; Renal failure; Triphasic wave
• ISSN: 0387-7604; 1872-7131
• DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2012.02.004

Abstract Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a specific form of status epilepticus and is defined as epileptic activity on an EEG without seizures and as an alteration in mental status lasting more than 30 min. NCSE may be caused by drugs, cerebrovascular events, metabolic disorders or toxins. Herein, we present four cases of patients with drug-induced NCSE who were chronically ill due to renal failure or childhood leukemia. NCSE should be suspected in patients with an altered mental status without clinical seizures who are being treated with multiple drugs.