STATUS EPILEPTICUS IN AFRICAN-AMERICANS
Abstract number :
2.013
Submission category :
Year :
2003
Submission ID :
1150
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2003, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Elizabeth J. Waterhouse, Linda K. Garnett, Robert J. DeLorenzo, Lawrence D. Morton, Cindy Cors, Alan R. Towne Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA; Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Epidemiological data are scarce regarding status epilepticus (SE) in different races. In the Richmond, Virginia SE study, African-Americans have a higher incidence of SE, and lower SE mortality rate when compared with Caucasians. This study was undertaken to identify the factors that contribute to decreased SE mortality rate in African-Americans.
Data were obtained from the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area SE Database. Parameters examined include: etiology, sex, age, time to treatment, SE duration, and mortality.
Of 857 patients with SE, 60% were African-American, and 39% were Caucasian. The race of 11 patients was neither African-American nor Caucasian. SE mortality for African-American patients was significantly lower (22%) than for Caucasians (33%), (p[lt]0.05). The African-American group had a larger proportion of men than the Caucasian group. Remote and withdrawal etiologies accounted for a higher proportion of SE in African-Americans than in Caucasians. Median time to treatment did not significantly differ between the groups. A significantly higher percentage of African-American patients had multiple episodes of SE, compared with Caucasians.
There are significant differences in SE characteristics between African-Americans and Caucasians. A clearer understanding of the factors contributing to the lower mortality rate of African-Americans with SE may lead to higher survival associated with this high risk event.
[Supported by: NIH P01 NS52630]