title: Prevalence of seizures in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
abstract: A retrospective study of 354 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients identified a subgroup of 27 children with seizures (7.6%, 95% confidence interval: 5.1%-10.9%). Of the total group, 13% (n = 46) had identifiable neurologic deficits and 30% (n = 107) had developmental delay. Both observations were significantly more frequent in the subgroup of patients with seizures (P < .001). The median age of patients with seizures was 20 months (range, 8-87 months) and the median baseline CD4 percentage was 13.5% (interquartile range, 8%-23%). Seizures were treated with sodium valproate (n = 11), phenobarbital (n = 3), diazepam (n = 2), lamotrigine (n = 1), and carbamazepine (n = 1). Combination therapy was required for 5 children. Suboptimal valproic acid levels were recorded for 3 patients. When resources are available, antiepileptic drug level monitoring is advised for children who require both antiepileptic and antiretroviral medications to facilitate optimal seizure management.
authors: Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Pauline
authors: P
authors: Samia
authors: Reneva
authors: R
authors: Petersen
authors: Kathleen G
authors: KG
authors: Walker
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Eley
authors: Jo M
authors: JM
authors: Wilmshurst
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010634:Phenobarbital