Clinico-Etiological Profile Of Neonatal Seizures

Abstract

Background Neonatal seizures are a paroxysmal alteration in neurologic functions (i.e. behavioral, motor or autonomic functions). The incidence of seizures is higher in the neonatal period than in any other age group. There are multiple causes of seizures presenting with many patterns and necessitating choice of anticonvulsant drugs. Serial ultrasound examination is very important for diagnosis of brain injury. Objectives To focus on the etiology and clinical classification of neonatal "convulsions" thus proper assessment for appropriate diagnosis and proper management. Patients and methods This prospective study was performed on 60 neonatal patients who developed neonatal seizures either prior or after admission to the NICU of Abul-Reesh and Kasr EL Aini Hospital below the age of 28 days. Results Birth weight was not a risk factor for increased morbidity or mortality among babies suffering from seizures. Majority of neonates with seizures were full-term (60%), while (28.3%) babies were preterm and (11.7%) babies were post-term. Our results found a relation between gender and the occurrence of seizures. The incidence of mortality was 25 cases (41.7%). There was statistically significant correlation between the presence of jaundice and the presence of abnormalities on cranial ultrasound. Burst suppression pattern was more common in (grade III) HIE, while multifocal spike pattern, positive sharp Rolandic waves and periodic low voltage activity patterns were more common in (grade II) HIE. Conclusion GA, birth weight, gender, route of delivery did not distinguish which infant with neonatal seizures would have a poor prognosis. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was the major cause of neonatal seizures.