title: Neurodevelopmental outcome in full-term newborns with refractory neonatal seizures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This retrospective study describes the prognosis of full-term newborns with refractory neonatal seizures, comparing the need for treatment with two versus three or more antiepileptic drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed our database (January 2002-December 2007) to include newborns with refractory neonatal seizures and abnormal electroencephalogram. Group A consisted of 17 newborns with two antiepileptic drugs. Group B consisted of 29 newborns with three or more antiepileptic drugs. Outcome was determined at 2 years of age using the Dutch Bayley Scales of Infant Development or a neurodevelopmental classification scheme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group A and group B were comparable regarding to a variety of demographic and aetiologic factors. Thirteen newborns died before 2 years of age and one was lost to follow-up. Normal development at 2 years of age was found in 50% and 5% for group A and B, respectively. Severe neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years of age was found in 30% and 68% for group A and B, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The number of antiepileptic drugs probably reflects increased seizure burden and is--in that way--related to poor outcome. This may be useful information for early prediction of adverse neurological outcome in the first days of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Imke A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Maartens
authors.forename: Tessa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wassenberg
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buijs
authors.forename: Levinus
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bok
authors.forename: Martin J K
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: de Kleine
authors.forename: Titia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Katgert
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Andriessen
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D020936:Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047929:Term Birth; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants