The newborn with seizures -- a follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the sequelae of neonatal seizures in a cohort of newborns, recruited over a six month period.


METHODS
Prospective hospital based study.


METHODS
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
135 babies were recruited of whom 10 died and 25 were lost to follow up.


METHODS
The cases were followed up over four months.


RESULTS
68% of the babies followed up were normal; 32% had an abnormal neurological outcome. Seven (7%) developed post-neonatal epilepsy. Hypocalcemia was significantly associated with mortality (OR: 21.9; 95% CI: 1.2-391.2). No risk factors could be identified for post neonatal epilepsy. Presence of spike waves in the EEG was significantly related to abnormal neurological outcome (OR: 3.5; 95% C.I. 1.2-10.8).


CONCLUSIONS
Majority of neonates with seizures have a normal outcome with no developmental delay or neurological deficit. Predominantly spike waves in the EEG is predictive of abnormal neurological outcome.
Iype
Mary
M
Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, SAT Hospital, Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India. tvm_agkoshy@sancharnet.in
Prasad
Maya
M
Nair
P M C
PM
Geetha
S
S
Kailas
Lalitha
L
D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality