Biochemical abnormalities in neonatal seizures.
OBJECTIVE
The presence of seizure does not constitute a diagnoses but it is a symptom of an underlying central nervous system disorder due to systemic or biochemical disturbances. Biochemical disturbances occur frequently in the neonatal seizures either as an underlying cause or as an associated abnormality. In their presence, it is difficult to control seizure and there is a risk of further brain damage. Early recognition and treatment of biochemical disturbances is essential for optimal management and satisfactory long term outcome.


METHODS
The present study was conducted in the department of pediatrics in IGMC Shimla on 59 neonates. Biochemical abnormalities were detected in 29 (49.15%) of cases.


RESULTS
Primary metabolic abnormalities occurred in 10(16.94%) cases of neonatal seizures, most common being hypocalcaemia followed by hypoglycemia, other metabolic abnormalities include hypomagnesaemia and hyponateremia. Biochemical abnormalities were seen in 19(38.77%) cases of non metabolic seizure in neonates. Associated metabolic abnormalities were observed more often with Hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy (11 out of 19) cases and hypoglycemia was most common in this group.


CONCLUSIONS
No infant had hyponateremia, hyperkelemia or low zinc level.
Sood
Arvind
A
Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India. appuanki@yahoo.com
Grover
Neelam
N
Sharma
Roshan
R
D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000150:complications; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000150:complications; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*
D008274:Magnesium