New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus in a Young Man with H1N1 Infection

Abstract

Objective. To report a case of refractory status epilepticus (SE) as an unusual early manifestation of H1N1 influenza infection.Introduction. H1N1 neurological complications have been reported and consist mainly of seizures or encephalopathy occurring in children. However, we only found a single report of an adult developing complex partial SE with H1N1 infection.Case Report. A 21-year-old previously healthy man was brought to the emergency room (ER) after a witnessed generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS). He was fully alert and afebrile upon ER arrival, but a second GTCS prompted treatment with Lorazepam and Fosphenytoin. The initial EEG showed diffuse slowing, but a repeat one requested as the patient failed to regain consciousness revealed recurrent focal seizures of independent bihemispheric origin, fulfilling the criteria for nonconvulsive SE. Chest X-ray, followed by chest CT scan, showed a left upper lobe consolidation. H1N1 infection was confirmed with PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage material. Despite aggressive treatment with Midazolam, Propofol, and multiple high dose antiepileptic drugs, the electrographic seizures recurred at every attempt to reduce the intravenous sedative drugs. The patient died two weeks after his initial presentation.Conclusion. H1N1 should be added to the list of rare causes of refractory SE, regardless of the patient’s age.