Abstracts

Rationale: New onset status epilepticus is a medical emergency, but currently there is only a limited epidemiologic understanding of this condition in adults. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients transported by Vanderbilt LifeFlight to our medical center from October, 2006 through April, 2014 with a transport diagnosis of seizures or status epilepticus. A total of 30 patients were found.  We assessed the demographic characteristics, etiology, and outcome in adult patients with new onset status epilepticus and compared this with patients with a known history of epilepsy who presented with status epilepticus.  Results: Out of 30 patients with status epilepticus, 12 (40%) were new onset. The two groups were comparable in age. The patients with new onset status epilepticus were more likely to be men (83%) and show ictal patterns during EEG monitoring (42% vs. 22%). They were more likely to have longer hospital (13.7 days vs 9.5 days) and ICU stays (7.7 days vs. 4.2 days) as well as higher risk of residual neurological deficits at discharge (58% vs 39%) and mortality (25% vs 0%). Conclusions: New onset status epilepticus led to longer ICU and hosptial stays and had a higher morbidity and mortality than status epilepticus in patients with epilepsy. Funding: N/A