NURSING CARE IN CHILDREN WITH NEW-ONSET REFRACTORY STATUS EPILEPTICUS
Maria -Xalina Karamatskou, Afroditi Zartaloudi, Ioannis Koutelekos
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Publication year:
2026
Authors:
- Karamatskou Maria -Xalina, RN, MS©, (MSc) Program entitled « General Pediatrics and Pediatric Subspecialties: Clinical Practice and Research»
- Zartaloudi Afroditi, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, TEI of Athens
- Koutelekos Ioannis, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
Keywords index:
Pages: 22-28
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare but highly severe neurological condition in the pediatric population, characterized by the sudden onset of refractory status epilepticus without a clear etiology. It is associated with high morbidity and significant neurological and psychosocial consequences, making a systematic and specialized approach to care essential.
AIM: The aim of this literature review was to explore Nursing care in children with New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus.
METHODOLOGY: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Europe PubMed, Elsevier/ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for the period 2015–2025, using keywords related to NORSE, FIRES, epilepsy, and nursing care. Primary studies involving a pediatric population were included, while reviews and studies involving adults were excluded. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.
RESULTS: The findings highlight that nursing care for children with NORSE requires an individualized, structured, and multidisciplinary approach. The implementation of protocols and admission to specialized neurocritical care units improves monitoring and early detection of clinical deterioration. Key components of nursing interventions include patient stabilization, airway management, seizure control, and continuous clinical and neurological assessment. Additionally, the prevention of complications, maintenance of homeostasis, and support of basic functions are crucial, alongside family education and psychological support.
CONCLUSIONS: Effective management of pediatric NORSE is based on timely, systematic, and evidence-based nursing interventions integrated within a multidisciplinary care framework. Enhancing nursing education and implementing standardized protocols can significantly improve patient outcomes and the quality of life of both children and their families.
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