title: Status epilepticus: immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms.
abstract: Status epilepticus (SE) can be difficult to treat, particularly if refractory, and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Prolonged seizures are also a risk factor for the subsequent diagnosis of epilepsy. Activation of the immune system and inflammation are areas of recent interest in the field of epilepsy, and there is growing evidence that these may be involved in the pathogenesis of ongoing SE and subsequent epileptogenesis. We review the current data on this topic in both animal models and human disease. We conclude that there is evidence suggesting a role for immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms in SE. Further research, especially human studies, is necessary to determine whether targeting the immune system would improve control of SE and prevent sequelae such as epileptogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurology, St .Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Chandrabhaga
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miskin
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurology, St .Christopher's Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: daphne.hasbani@drexelmed.edu.
authors.forename: Daphne M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hasbani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors