Study Reports Seizures in 5% Hypoglycemic Patients in the ED

TOPLINE: 

According to a Japanese study, approximately 5% hypoglycemic patients in the emergency department (ED) experience seizures, and none of these patients show a history of epilepsy.

METHODOLOGY:

• A retrospective observational study was conducted at Kurashiki Central Hospital in Japan from January 2017 to December 2021.
• Researchers included 380 patients (median age, 72 years; 62.9% men) with symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• The primary outcome was the frequency of seizures in hypoglycemic patients, and the initial blood sugar levels of patients with and without seizures were compared for secondary analysis.

TAKEAWAY: 

• Overall, 19 patients (5%) with hypoglycemia experienced seizures.
• Of these 19, 16 had diabetes mellitus and two had alcohol-related disease. None had a history of seizures.
• Seizures were controlled by glucose administration in 16 of 19 patients, while the remaining three required diazepam before glucose administration. None of the patients received glucagon.
• No significant difference was found in the initial blood glucose levels of patients with and without seizures (P =.97).

IN PRACTICE:

“Approximately 5% of patients with hypoglycemia in the ED present with seizures,” the authors concluded.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Seigo Urushidani, Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kurashiki Central Hospital in Kurashiki, Japan. It was published online on July 4, 2024, in Acute Medicine & Surgery.

LIMITATIONS: 

The study’s retrospective design may have introduced biases in diagnosis and treatment. Detailed convulsion forms and durations were unknown for some patients. The methods and timings for measuring blood glucose levels also varied among patients, paramedics, and physicians. 

DISCLOSURES:

The funding source for the study was not disclosed. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.