The relation of serum Cortisol and CSF B-endorphin levels to the prognosis of status epilepticus was evaluated in 27 adults treated in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program of the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA. Poor prognosis was defined as death or severe neurologic or medical complications during or within one week after status epilepticus of more than 30 minutes. Blood Cortisol levels were significantly elevated in patients with a poor outcome. CSF B-endorphins were significantly increased but did not correlate with prognosis. [1]
COMMENT. Serum Cortisol determinations within 12 hours after control of status epilepticus may predict prognosis. The authors also propose that the rise in Cortisol levels may contribute to the pathology of status epilepticus.