Abstract :
Neonatal seizures indicate significant neurological dysfunction or damage to the immature nervous system. It is essential to determine the etiology of seizure at the earliest because it gives an opportunity to treat the seizure actively and promptly and avoid preventable morbidity, mortality and sequelae associated with it. This study was undertaken to study the clinical features, etiology, biochemical abnormalities in neonates with seizures and correlate the biochemical abnormalities with clinical features and etiology of neonatal seizures. Methodology- In this prospective observational study a total of 250 newborns admitted to NICU less than or equal to 28 days of age, with clinically identified seizures were included. A detailed maternal history, complete clinical examination, anthropometry, investigations and treatment given to neonates were noted down and statistical analysis was performed. Results- Incidence of neonatal seizures was 3.70%. Neonatal seizures were more common in first 72 hours (3 days) of life. Subtle seizures were the most common type of neonatal seizures. Neonatal seizures were found to be seven times more common in preterm infants than in term infants. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was the most common cause of neonatal seizures seen in 34.4%.cases followed by Infection. Conclusion- Higher incidence of neonatal seizures was seen in preterm babies (14.35%), low birth weight babies (8.19%) and male neonates. Neonatal seizures were most common in first three days of life. Primary biochemical abnormalities without other comorbid states which could account for the seizures were seen in 20.4 % cases, hypoglycemia and hypocalcaemia were the commonest in this group. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was the most common cause of neonatal seizures seen in 34.4% cases followed by Infection. 25.2% of cases of neonatal seizures with identifiable etiology had biochemical abnormality.
Keyword :
Neonatal Seizures, Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, Hypoglycemia, Hypocalcaemia, Subtle seizures.