Poojitha Kancherla1, Harsha P.J.2, Gowtham R.3, Dowlath Anwar Basha4, Chandran G.P.5, Raghuveer Golluri6
BACKGROUND
Neonates presenting with seizures require long term stay in hospital and have
higher chances of neuro-developmental delay later. Seizures in neonates are
mostly subtle and difficult to diagnose. We wanted to study the clinical profile and
short-term outcome on term and later pre-term neonates presenting with seizures.
METHODS
The study was a retrospective observational study done from November to
December 2020 at PES Hospital, Kuppam. Retrospective data of neonatal seizures
from May 2019 to April 2020 was considered for study. Details from the case
records of neonates with seizures was collected.
RESULTS
Neonatal seizures (NS) were most common in females (53.8 %, 72/134). Subtle
seizures were most common form of seizures in neonates which was seen in 64.2
% (86/134) babies followed by tonic seizures in 22.4 % (30/134). Neonatal
seizures were most commonly seen in babies with hypoxic ischemic
encephalopathy in 63.4 % (85/134) followed by metabolic disturbances in 15.6 %
(21/134) and meningitis in 13.5 % (18/134). In babies with hypoxic ischemic
encephalopathy, metabolic and meningitis subtle seizures were observed to be
more common. Seizures were seen most commonly in first 72 hours of life (82.85
%, 111/134). Seizures in babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, metabolic
causes most commonly occurred within first 24 hours of birth. Seizures in babies
with meningitis most commonly occurred after 7 days of birth. Babies with
neonatal seizures with sequelae was seen in 17.96 % (24/134) and 11.94 %
babies died (16/134).
CONCLUSIONS
Subtle seizures were most common form and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
was most common risk factor. Most neonatal seizures present within 72 hours of
birth. Babies with meningitis presented with seizures most commonly after 72
hours of birth.
