Update on status epilepticus in children. Definition, classification and treatment

Status epilepticus (SE) is the most frequent neurological emergency in neuropediatrics. It is the result of the failure of the mechanisms responsible for terminating an epileptic seizure or its onset, which leads to a prolonged epileptic seizure. The estimated incidence between 3-42 cases per 100,000 people per year. It has a bimodal distribution, affecting children and the elderly at the extremes of life. Mortality estimates are variable depending on age and etiology. Mortality in children could be lower than in adults, but it reaches a high morbidity of up to 66%. The definition has changed over the years in order to specify the start of treatment and to complement it with the scientific data, a time t1 and a t2 have been established. The time (t1) is the moment when treatment should begin, which varies depending on the semiology, at 5 minutes for a generalized tonicclonic seizure and at 10 minutes for a focal seizure. The second time (t2) refers to neuronal damage. Prompt and effective treatment decreases the risks of cardiac and respiratory complications, admission to intensive care units, and death.