Publication:

Clinico-etiological profile of neonatal seizures in term neonates

Background Neonatal seizures or neonatal convulsions are epileptic fits occurring from birth to the end of the neonatal period. Neonatal seizures are a common neurological problem with a frequency of 1.5-14/1000 neonates. Neonatal seizure is common in this part of the Telangana and there was paucity of data from this area. Identification of etiology will help in management there by reducing morbidity and mortality.

Methods This prospective study was done in NICU of S.V.S. Medical College and Hospital, Mahabubnagar, from Jan 2016 to Jan 2017. Term neonates with clinically identifiable seizure were included in the present study. This study was approved by institutional ethical committee and written consent was obtained from parents of the studied neonates.

Results Of 84 studied neonates, 46 were males and 38 were females. 29 neonates had seizures within first 24 hours and 22 neonates had seizures on day 2. Perinatal asphyxia was seen in 28 neonates and septicemia was seen in 21 neonates.

Conclusions Perinatal asphyxia was the most common cause for neonatal seizures in term neonates, followed by septicaemia and metabolic disturbances.