Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with status epilepticus and its management in the pediatric emergency department of a teaching hospital in the Federal District

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51723/hrj.v7i35.1236

Keywords:

Status epilepticus, Pediatric emergency medicine, Epidemiologic profile, Therapeutics, Child

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile and analyze the management of status epilepticus (SE) in patients treated at the pediatric emergency department of a teaching hospital in the Federal District. This is a quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study conducted through the analysis of medical records of children aged 0 to 12 years treated between March 2023 and March 2024. A total of 36 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for SE were included. The highest prevalence was observed in the age group of 1 to 5 years (58.3%), with predominance of males (69.4%) and generalized tonic-clonic type (70%). Fever was present in 52.8% of the cases, and previous epilepsy was identified in 52.7%. Regarding management, intravenous Diazepam was the most used first-line medication, with a high rate of resolution after a single dose. As second-line therapy, Phenytoin and Phenobarbital were most frequently employed, while continuous Midazolam was used in refractory cases. It is concluded that the management observed was largely consistent with international guidelines, although limited by drug availability and incomplete medical records. The findings highlight the importance of rapid intervention, standardized protocols adapted to local resources, and improvement in clinical documentation to optimize prognosis and reduce complications associated with SE.

Author Biographies

Gabriela Nunes de Sousa, Hospital Regional de Sobradinho

Residência do Hospital Regional de Sobradinho, Secretária de Saúde do Distrito Federal, Brasília,
Distrito Federal, Brasil.

Renata Orlandi Rubim, Residência do Hospital Regional de Sobradinho

Residência do Hospital Regional de Sobradinho, Secretária de Saúde do Distrito Federal, Brasília,
Distrito Federal, Brasil.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Sousa, G. N. de, & Rubim, R. O. (2026). Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with status epilepticus and its management in the pediatric emergency department of a teaching hospital in the Federal District. Health Residencies Journal - HRJ, 7(35), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.51723/hrj.v7i35.1236