Clinical manifestations and outcomes associated with a high 2HELPS2B score in patients with acute impaired consciousness

Purpose: The 2HELPS2B score is an invaluable tool for assessing seizure risk in critically ill patients with unconsciousness. However, this can be challenging for non-epileptologists to use owing to its reliance on electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis. Thus, identifying clinical manifestations associated with high 2HELPS2B scores is crucial.

Methods: We examined patients who underwent EEG for acute impaired consciousness in the emergency department between 2020 and 2022. We evaluated the clinical manifestations immediately prior to the EEG tests and identified those associated with a 2HELPS2B score ≥ 2. Additionally, we investigated clinical outcomes in accordance with these manifestations and the 2HELPS2B score.

Results: A total of 78 patients were included in this study. While the median 2HELPS2B score was 1 (range: 0-6), 13 patients (16.6%) showed electrographic/electroclinical seizures or status epilepticus and 16 patients (20.5%) showed ictal-interictal continuum in their EEGs. Abnormal muscle tonus (p = 0.034) and eye deviation (p = 0.021) were Significantly associated with a 2HELPS2B score ≥ 2. The presence of these manifestations (p < 0.001) and a 2HELPS2B score ≥ 2 (p < 0.001) were both significantly associated with a favorable response to anti-seizure medication. Conversely, patients with a 2HELPS2B score ≥ 2 who exhibited these clinical manifestations were more likely to be non-dischargeable (p = 0.053), have prolonged intensive care unit stays (p = 0.002), or require extended ventilator use (p = 0.082).

Conclusion: Abnormal muscle tonus and eye deviation were significant manifestations compatible with a 2HELPS2B score ≥ 2 and may indicate an increased risk of seizures or the severity of the epileptic condition.