Correlation between Persistent Serum Lactate Elevation and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Children with Status Epilepticus

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between persistent serum lactate elevation and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with status epilepticus (SE). Methods: In this prospective analytical study, serum lactate levels were measured 24 hours after episodes of SE, and brain MRI was performed within 7 to 14 days after SE termination. MRI abnormalities were classified as acute encephalopathy (AE) grade I to III. The Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: The study included 42 participants with SE, of whom 85.70% were boys, with a mean age of 4.94 years. Viral encephalitis was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 47.60% of cases. Elevated serum lactate levels were detected in 71.40% of patients, and approximately 47.60% exhibited abnormal MRI findings consistent with AE grade I. The median serum lactate levels for AE grades I, II, and III were 1.50, 3.10, and 0.78 mmol/L, respectively. Two patients died, and 66.70% experienced neurologic sequelae. A significant correlation ( P =0.021) was observed between persistent serum lactate elevation and abnormal brain MRI findings. Conclusion: In children with SE, AE grade I was the most common neuroimaging pattern observed, and persistently elevated serum lactate level was correlated with abnormal brain MRI findings.