Crisis neonatales: evaluacion, diagnostico y tratamiento / Neonatal seizures: evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment

Resumen Las crisis convulsivas tienen una alta incidencia en la etapa neonatal, representando la principal manifes tación de disfunción neurológica. Ciertas condiciones fisiológicas del cerebro neonatal facilitan su aparición. Su diagnóstico puede ser un reto debido a que su semio logía no es tan clara comparado con niños mayores, y además, es necesario la confirmación por medio de EEG continuo o aEEG. Su reconocimiento oportuno es muy importante para un adecuado tratamiento y así evitar un impacto negative en el pronóstico a largo plazo. En la siguiente revisión, recapitulamos la fisiopatología, las causas y la clasificación de las crisis convulsivas neo natales, además de su correcto abordaje y las mejores opciones terapéuticas para su tratamiento dependiendo de la causa.

Abstract Seizures have a high incidence in the neonatal stage, being the main manifestation of neurological dysfunc tion. Certain physiological conditions of the neonatal brain facilitate its appearance. Its diagnosis can be a challenging because its semiology is not as clear as in older children, furthermore, confirmation by either EEG or aEEG is necessary. Its timely recognition is very im portant for adequate treatment and thus avoid a nega tive impact on the long-term outcome. In the following review, we recapitulate the pathophysiology, causes, and classification of neonatal seizures, as well as their correct approach and the best therapeutic options for their treatment depending on the cause.

NEONATAL SEIZURES: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Neonatal seizures are often complex and difcult to recognize, but can be identied through electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. The Brighton Collaboration has developed a scheme with ve levels of diagnostic certainty to guide treatment decisions when EEG is not available. Different seizure types are usually associated with specic underlying causes, which may require specic diagnostic and treatment approaches. Neonatal seizures require prompt management, including the stabilization of cardiovascular and respiratory function and the identication of the underlying cause. EEG monitoring is considered essential for the detection of seizures and should be performed until the neonate has been seizure-free for 12 to 24 hours. Treatment involves the use of antiseizure medication and may include pyridoxine challenge or other treatment options such as the ketogenic diet, intravenous immunoglobulin, or corticosteroids if seizures are refractory to conventional antiseizure medication. It is important to differentiate between seizures and nonepileptic motor phenomena, which can occur without obvious cause or as symptoms of drug withdrawal, electrolyte abnormalities, hypoglycemia, or infection. Neuroimaging is also considered essential for the detection of possible structural abnormalities in neonates with seizures.

Melanosis neurocutánea: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Neurocutaneous melanosis. Case report and literature review / Melanose neurocutânea: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

RESUMEN Introducción: la melanosis neurocutánea es un trastorno congénito no hereditario que se caracteriza por la asociación de nevus pigmentados múltiples o de gran tamaño y una excesiva proliferación de melanocitos en el sistema nervioso central. La incidencia es similar en ambos sexos, y se observa historia familiar de melanoma en un único caso. Presentación del caso: se trata de un neonato masculino que nace en Hospital General de Luanda en Angola, con mancha melánica gigante que se extiende desde el cuello, cara, tórax, abdomen, espalda y miembros superiores, requiere una vigilancia de las lesiones dérmicas y un control de las crisis convulsivas. Discusión: se realizaron revisiones de la literatura médica disponible sobre el tema, consultando el programa de genética Oxford, y se tomaron fotos de las características clínicas sobresalientes. Por lo general los síntomas neurológicos son de temprana aparición en la etapa neonatal o de lactante con presencia de convulsiones de difícil control, al crear un pronóstico reservado. Conclusiones: se considera importante el seguimiento del neurodesarrollo de forma multidisciplinario para intervención oportuna si fuera necesario.

ABSTRACT Introduction: neurocutaneous melanosis is a non-hereditary congenital disorder characterized by the association of multiple or large pigmented nevi and an excessive proliferation of melanocytes in the central nervous system. The incidence is similar in both sexes, and a family history of melanoma is observed in a single case. Case presentation: this is a male neonate born at the General Hospital of Luanda in Angola, with a giant melanic spot that extends from the neck, face, chest, abdomen, back and upper limbs, requires surveillance of dermal lesions and control of seizures. Discussion: reviews of the available medical literature on the subject were conducted, consulting the Oxford genetics program, and photos of outstanding clinical features were taken. Usually the neurological symptoms are of early onset in the neonatal or infant stage with the presence of seizures that are difficult to control, creating a reserved prognosis. Conclusions: it is considered important to monitor neurodevelopment in a multidisciplinary way for timely intervention if necessary.

RESUMO Introdução: a melanose neurocutânea é uma doença congênita não hereditária caracterizada pela associação de nevi pigmentado múltiplo ou grande e uma proliferação excessiva de melanócitos no sistema nervoso central. A incidência é semelhante em ambos os sexos, e um histórico familiar de melanoma é observado em um único caso. Apresentação do caso: trata-se de um recém-nascido no Hospital Geral de Luanda, em Angola, com um ponto melanico gigante que se estende do pescoço, rosto, tórax, abdômen, costas e membros superiores, requer vigilância de lesões dérmicas e controle de convulsões. Discussão: foram realizadas revisões da literatura médica disponível sobre o tema, consultando o programa de genética de Oxford e fotos de características clínicas de destaque. Geralmente os sintomas neurológicos são de início precoce no estágio neonatal ou infantil com a presença de convulsões de difícil controle, criando um prognóstico reservado. Conclusões: é considerado importante monitorar o neurodesenvolvimento de forma multidisciplinar para intervenção oportuna, se necessário.

Incidence of Neonatal Seizures and it's ClinicoEtiological Profile in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India

Introduction: Neonatal seizure is defined as paroxysmal electrical discharge from the brain. The immature brain seems more prone to seizures. The incidence was found to increase with decreasing gestation and birth weight- preterm neonates (20.8 vs. 8.4 per 1000 live-births) while very low birth weight neonates had more than 4-fold higher incidence (36.1 per 1000 live-births). Objective: The study was conducted to estimate the incidence, etiological factor, time of onset, clinical types, and biochemical abnormalities among the different types of neonatal seizures. Methods: This is a hospital based prospective observational study conducted in NICU, Department of Pediatrics, SMIMER during the period of January 2020 to March 2021. Results: Total patients with neonatal seizures were 90 in our study. Incidence of neonatal seizures in our study was 1.1%. Incidence was higher in pre-term neonates (4.8%) and more in males (56.67%). Incidence of neonatal seizures was higher in LBW babies (4.3%) and more common in SGA babies (51.11%). Incidence among vaginal delivered babies was 0.9%, LSCS was 1.7% and forceps was 1.1%. Birth asphyxia (41.1%) was the most common cause of all neonatal seizures followed by hypoglycemia (17.8%), neonatal meningitis/septicemia (14.5%), hypocalcemia (12.2%), ICH (7.8%). Subtle seizures (44.4%) were the most common type of seizure followed by tonic (38.9%), focal clonic (11.1%), multifocal clonic (5.6%). 33.3% of neonatal seizures occurred in < 24hrs & 40% in 24-72 hrs. The most common biochemical abnormality was hypoglycemia (17.8%) followed by hypocalcemia (12.2%). Conclusion: Incidence of neonatal seizures was 11.1/1000 live births (1.1%) & more common in preterm, LBW & LSCS deliveries. Birth asphyxia was the most common cause and subtle seizures were the most common type of seizure. Subtle seizures were more common in 24-72 hours of life. Most common biochemical abnormality was hypoglycemia followed by hypocalcemia

Phenobarbitone versus levetiracetam in neonatal seizures

Background: There is increasing evidence that neonatal seizures have an adverse effect on neurodevelopmental progression and it may predispose to cognitive, behavioral or epileptic complications later in life. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of phenobarbitone and levetiracetam for the treatment of neonatal seizures in term and late preterm neonates. The study was aimed to know the efficacy of phenobarbitone (PB) in comparison with levetiracetam (LEV) in controlling neonatal seizures.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial where data of the babies with seizures weighing more than 2 kg who were admitted in NICU of Muzaffarnagar Medical College was collected and analysed for intervention to either phenobarbitone or levetiracetam.Results: Clinically apparent seizures were controlled in only 65.38% neonates assigned to receive levetiracetam as compared to 76.92% neonates assigned to receive phenobarbitone.Conclusions: LEV although lesser effective than PB with very fewer side effects is found to be a good alternative in controlling neonatal seizures.

Trombosis senovenosa cerebral en un recién nacido con mutación MTHFR C677T tratado con enoxaparina / Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in a newborn with mutation of MTHFR C677T treated with enoxaparin

Resumen: Introducción: La trombosis senovenosa cerebral neonatal (TSVC), es una patología rara y generalmente grave, de la cual se conoce poco sobre los mecanismos fisiopatológicos responsables y, aunque controvertido, se ha sugerido que la trombofilia genética, puede desempeñar un rol en la patogénesis. Debido a los temores de un sangrado intracraneal el tratamiento anticoagulante con heparina de bajo peso mole cular es controvertido. Objetivo: presentar un recién nacido con una trombosis senovenosa cerebral neonatal, discutir los factores de riesgo trombofílico, y el manejo con heparina de bajo peso molecu lar de la trombosis venosa cerebral. Caso Clínico: Recién nacido de término que debutó a los 8 días de vida con convulsiones clónicas, rechazo al pecho más hipoactividad motora. La neuroimagen con RM mostró una TSVC involucrando múltiples senos venosos, un infarto hemorrágico talámico dere cho y congestión venosa de la sustancia blanca frontal. El estudio de trombofilia puso de relieve una mutación homocigota del gen MTHFR C677T. El tratamiento con heparina de bajo peso molecular se asoció a repermeabilización del seno sagital superior a los 23 días de iniciada la terapia. Conclusio nes: La presentación clínica de la TSVC en el neonato es inespecífica, probablemente en relación con la extensión y gravedad de la lesión y el desarrollo de complicaciones asociadas, como infartos he morrágicos venosos intraparenquimatosos o hemorragia intraventricular. Estas complicaciones son detectables mediante Ecografia o Resonancia Magnética, y deben hacer sospechar una TSVC. En esta experiencia el tratamiento anticoagulante mostró ser seguro y prevenir la extensión de la trombosis.

Abstract: Introduction: Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSNT) is a rare and generally serious con dition about which there is little knowledge of the responsible pathophysiological mechanisms and, although controversial, it has been suggested that genetic thrombophilia may play a role in its patho genesis. Out of concern for intracranial bleeding, the anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular- weight heparin is controversial. Objective: To present a case of a newborn with neonatal CSNT, to analyze the thrombophilic risk factors, and the management of cerebral venous thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin. Clinical Case: Full-term newborn who presented at eight days of life breastfeeding rejection, clonic seizures, and locomotor hypoactivity. The MRI neuroimaging showed a CSNT involving multiple venous sinuses, a right thalamic hemorrhagic infarction, and venous congestion in frontal white matter. Thrombophilia study highlighted a homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin was associated with repermeabilization of the superior sagittal sinus after 23 days of starting therapy. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of CSNT in the neonate is nonspecific, probably related to the extent and severity of the injury and the development of associated complications, such as venous hemorrhagic infarctions and intraparenchymal or intraventricular hemorrhage. These complications are detected through ultrasound or MRI, and they should make us suspect a CSNT. In this experience, the anticoagulant treatment proved to be safe and prevents thrombus propagation.

A study of biochemical abnormalities and manifestations of neonatal seizures

Background: Neonatal seizure is a common neurological problem in the neonatal period with a frequency of 1.5 to 14/1000 neonates1. Neonatal seizures have always been a topic of particular interest because of their universal occurrence. A varied number of conditions are capable of causing seizures in the neonatal period. The presence of a seizure does not constitute a diagnosis but is a symptom of an underlying central nervous system disorder due to systemic or biochemical disturbances. This study aims to study the various clinical types of seizures and the biochemical abnormalities associated with them.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the neonatology unit, department of pediatrics, C.S.I. Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore. Details of history, examination and investigations were recorded on predesigned proforma.Results: Out of total 54 cases, 47(87%) cases had seizures during first 3 days of life and hypoxic ischemic ' encephalopathy (HIE) remains the main etiological factor in 20 (37.04%) cases. More than one metabolic abnormality was present in 6 cases. Hypoglycemia & hypomagnesemia were the commonest abnormality in neonates having seizures.Conclusions: A biochemical work up is necessary for all cases of neonatal seizures. The type of seizure does not give much information as to whether the seizures are purely metabolic or organic or about the type of biochemical abnormality.

A prospective study to determine etiology, clinical profile and neurodevelopmental outcome of neonatal seizures admitted in newborn unit of Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Newborn with neonatal seizures is at risk of neurodevelopmental delay. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the adverse outcome of neonatal seizures and to study the significant factors associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcome in neonatal seizures.Methods: This was a prospective study done at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Chengalpattu Medical College during the period from June 2017 to September 2018. A total of 110 neonates with seizures admitted in NICU from first hour of life to 28 days of age were included in the study. Detailed history was collected in preformed proforma, and followed up to one year and neurological assessment done at 4th month, 8th month and 1 year. The Hammersmith infant neurological examination (HINE) was done at 4 and 8 month and the Bayley'III assessment was done at 1 year of age to determine the neurodevelopment outcome.Results: Out of 110 newborns with seizures, 86 cases were followed up to 1 year of age. Neurological assessment done by HINE determined abnormal neurodevelopment in 33.6% neonates. Bayley-III scale assessment found cognitive delay in 10.9%, language delay in 20%, motor delay in 5.55%, socio-emotional delay in 30%, and adoptive delay in 31.8% cases. Delayed developmental outcome is significantly associated with onset of seizures, frequency of seizure, poor 5 minute Apgar score, abnormal EEG, and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).Conclusions: The delayed developmental outcome high among the neonates with subtle and myoclonic seizures. Mortality and neurological impairment was after neonatal seizure is associated with Onset and frequency of seizures, low Apgar score at 5 min, findings of USG cranium, CT brain, EEG, and HIE.

Prospective observational study of drug utilization in neonatal seizure at a tertiary care hospital with Pharmacoeconomics

Background: Seizures are the most common indicator of significant neurologic dysfunction in neonatal period with incidence of 11.7/1000 live births. Phenobarbitone is used as first line of treatment since 1900s. Newer anti-epileptic drugs (AED) available are Levetiracetam, Topiramate etc. Present study focused on utilization pattern of AED, treatment outcomes and to study economic burden of disease.Methods: An observational study was done on 100 neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Basaveshwara hospital, Kalaburagi (June 2016-May 2017). Prescription data was entered into specially designed proforma, WHO core indicators were determined. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as means and percentages.Results: Majority of neonates were male (58%) and 63% were diagnosed with subtle seizure. Out of 458 drugs prescribed, 201 were antiepileptics. 41% cases were successfully managed by monotherapy. Most commonly used drug was phenobarbitone (82%) and phenytoin (31%). Leviteracetam, newer AED was used in 3 refractory cases. The major combination of drugs used was Phenobarbitone-Phenytoin (24%). AED were rationally prescribed, but antibiotic was over-utilized(68%). 31% cases had adverse drug reaction. On average per prescription, number of drugs used were 4.6 and drug cost was Rs.3803/-. The total cost of illness per patient was Rs.16363/-.Conclusions: AED utilization in neonatal seizures was in accordance to guidelines, with phenobarbitone being extensively used despite its potential neurotoxicity. The utilization of newer AED would increase if clinicians are supported with the safety and efficacy data. Although monotherapy was preferred with respect to AED, antibiotics were highly prescribed; hence awareness is needed to curb this practice.

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for neonatal seizure detection. An electrophysiological point of view / Electroencefalograma integrado por amplitud para la detección de convulsiones neonatales. Un punto de vista electrofisiológico

ABSTRACT Seizures in the newborn are associated with high morbidity and mortality, making their detection and treatment critical. Seizure activity in neonates is often clinically obscured, such that detection of seizures is particularly challenging. Amplitude-integrated EEG is a technique for simplified EEG monitoring that has found an increasing clinical application in neonatal intensive care. Its main value lies in the relative simplicity of interpretation, allowing nonspecialist members of the care team to engage in real-time detection of electrographic seizures. Nevertheless, to avoiding misdiagnosing rhythmic artifacts as seizures, it is necessary to recognize the electrophysiological ictal pattern in the conventional EEG trace available in current devices. The aim of this paper is to discuss the electrophysiological basis of the differentiation of epileptic seizures and extracranial artifacts to avoid misdiagnosis with amplitude-integrated EEG devices.

RESUMO Las convulsiones neonatales están asociadas a una alta morbi-mortalidad por lo que su correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento es fundamental. Las convulsiones en los recién nacidos son frecuentemente subclínicas lo que hace que su detección sea dificultosa. La electroencefalografía integrada por amplitud es una técnica de monitoreo electroencefalográfico simplificado que ha encontrado una creciente aplicación clínica en las unidades de terapia intensiva neonatales. Su principal ventaja es la relativa simplicidad de su interpretación lo que permite a personal no especializado del equipo neonatal diagnosticar convulsiones electrográficas en tiempo real. Sin embargo, para evitar diagnosticar erróneamente artefactos rítmicos como crisis epilépticas es necesario reconocer los patrones electrofisiológicos ictales en el EEG convencional disponible en los dispositivos actuales. El objetivo de este artículo es describir las bases electrofisiológicas para la diferenciación de convulsiones neonatales y artefactos extracraneanos para evitar errores diagnósticos con el uso de EEG integrado por amplitud.

Biochemical abnormalities in neonatal seizures in term and preterm neonates

Background: Neonatal seizures may arise as a result of diverse etiologies and can have varied presentations. Biochemical abnormalities are commonly observed in neonates which can be either primary or secondary. Early recognition and treatment of biochemical disturbances is essential for optimal management and satisfactory long-term outcome.Methods: A total of 100 neonates presenting with seizures admitted to NICU of JJM Medical College, Davanagere, from November 2015 to April 2017 were enrolled in the study. Detailed antenatal, natal, postnatal history along with detailed examination was done along with baseline characteristics of convulsing were recorded at admission along with relevant biochemical investigations before instituting any specific treatment.Results: In the present study, out of 100 neonates studied, 64 were full term of which 49(76.5%) were AGA and 15(23.5%) were SGA, whereas 36 cases were preterm. Most neonatal seizures occurred in first 3 days of life, i.e. 59% of which majority occurred on first day of life (34%). Birth asphyxia and septicemia are common cause of neonatal seizures in present study (38 cases each), followed by pure metabolic disturbances 19%. In pure metabolic seizures, hypoglycemia (47.8%) is most common more in preterm babies (55%) followed by hypocalcemia.Conclusions: Biochemical abnormalities are common in neonatal seizures and often go unrecognized and may significantly contribute to seizure activity. Hence, a biochemical work up is necessary for all cases of neonatal seizures.

Inherited metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Seizure is the most common clinical manifestation in newborns.Due to the characteristics of neonatal brain development, its manifestation, etiology and response to drug therapy are different.Inborn errors of metabolism disorder occur early and often manifest seizures.some disorders have a good prognosis after treatment.This article reviews inherited metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures in order to improve the clinicians′ understanding of genetic metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures.

Recent outcomes of unexplained neonatal seizure: a retrospective study of clinical features in 47 cases / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the relationship between features of neonatal seizure and recent outcomes of patients with unexplained neonatal seizure, which may provide evidence for early assessment of prognosis.@*Methods@#Forty-seven cases of unexplained neonatal seizure admitted to the Department of Neonatology in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2014 to June 2018, were followed-up at the age of more than 6 months.According to the recent outcomes(recurrent seizures during non-neonatal period and levels of development when they were followed-up), the patients were divided into good recent outcomes group(34 cases)and poor recent outcomes group(13 cases). The general information, characteristics of seizure and EEG changes during neonatal period were analyzed retrospectively.@*Results@#There was no significant difference in gender, gestational age, birth weight, onset of first seizure, type of seizure, duration of seizure, and interval of seizures between two groups(P>0.05). There were 11 cases in poor recent outcomes group and 30 cases in good recent outcomes group that finished EEG.Compared with patients with good recent outcomes, patients with poor recent outcomes had significantly more abnormal EEG, paroxysmal abnormal changes and paroxysmal abnormal changes with abnormal background activity(90.9% vs.43.3%, 63.6% vs.10.0%, 36.4% vs.6.7%), with statistically significant difference(P<0.05). Thirty-nine cases with recurrent seizures during non-neonatal period had significantly higher rate of dysplasia than the 34 cases that without recurrent seizures(50.0% vs.12.8%), with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The recent outcomes of unexplained neonatal seizure may be related the EEG changes, but not gender, gestational age, birth weight, features of seizure.The neonates with unexplained neonatal seizure whose EEG manifest as paroxysmal abnormalities, were more likely to get poor recent outcomes, such as recurrent seizures and(or)dysplasia during non-neonatal period.

Recent outcomes of unexplained neonatal seizure: a retrospective study of clinical features in 47 cases / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between features of neonatal seizure and recent outcomes of patients with unexplained neonatal seizure,which may provide evidence for early assessment of prognosis.Methods Forty-seven cases of unexplained neonatal seizure admitted to the Department of Neonatology in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2014 to June 2018,were followed-up at the age of more than 6 months.According to the recent outcomes (recurrent seizures during non-neonatal period and levels of development when they were followed-up),the patients were divided into good recent outcomes group (34 cases) and poor recent outcomes group (13 cases).The general information,characteristics of seizure and EEG changes during neonatal period were analyzed retrospectively.Results There was no significant difference in gender,gestational age,birth weight,onset of first seizure,type of seizure,duration of seizure,and interval of seizures between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There were 11 cases in poor recent outcomes group and 30 cases in good recent outcomes group that finished EEG.Compared with patients with good recent outcomes,patients with poor recent outcomes had significantly more abnormal EEG,paroxysmal abnormal changes and paroxysmal abnormal changes with abnormal background activity (90.9％ vs.43.3％,63.6％ vs.10.0％,36.4％ vs.6.7％),with statistically significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).Thirty-nine cases with recurrent seizures during non-neonatal period had significantly higher rate of dysplasia than the 34 cases that without recurrent seizures (50.0％ vs.12.8％),with statistically significant difference (P ＜0.05).Conclusion The recent outcomes of unexplained neonatal seizure may be related the EEG changes,but not gender,gestational age,birth weight,features of seizure.The neonates with unexplained neonatal seizure whose EEG manifest as paroxysmal abnormalities,were more likely to get poor recent outcomes,such as recurrent seizures and (or) dysplasia during non-neonatal period.

Inherited metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Seizure is the most common clinical manifestation in newborns. Due to the characteristics of neonatal brain development,its manifestation,etiology and response to drug therapy are different. Inborn errors of metabolism disorder occur early and often manifest seizures. some disorders have a good prognosis after treatment. This article reviews inherited metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures in order to improve the clinicians′understanding of genetic metabolic etiology and prognosis of neonatal seizures.

A Study Of Etiology, Onset And Type Of Neonatal Seizures

Introduction: A seizure or convulsion is a paroxysmal, time-limited change in motor activity and/or behaviour that results from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Neonatal seizures are abnormal electrical discharges in the central nervous System of neonates usually manifesting as a stereotyped muscular activity or autonomic changes. Aims and Objectives: To Study Etiology, Onset and Type of Neonatal Seizures Methodology: The present study included 107 neonates presenting with seizures admitted to the NICU of MGM Medical College & Hospital, Aurangabad, during the period of two years from 1st June 2013 to 31st May 2015. All participants in the study were subjected to all investigations mentioned in the proforma, except for neuroimaging which was an optional investigation. The data were analyzed using software like Epi-info, Microsoft Excel. Result: Chi-squared for the onset of seizures on the first three days and more than three days with aetiology, χ2 =13.1312 with a p-value of 0.0107. Seizures during the first three days of life have a statistically significant correlation with birth asphyxia with a P value of < 0.05. Out of 71 neonates with birth asphyxia, 36 (50.7%) had subtle seizures, followed by GTS in 26 neonates (36.62%) & MFC in 6 (8.45%) neonates. In neonates with hypoglycemic seizures, 7 out of 15 (46.67%) babies had subtle seizures followed by GTS in 6 (40%), neonates. In neonates with meningitis (10 neonates), 5 developed subtle seizures (50%) and 3 had MFC (30%). In our study, there was no correlation between the type of neonatal seizures with the aetiology (p>0.05). Conclusion: The recognition of the aetiology of neonatal seizures is often helpful with respect to prognosis and treatment.

Convulsiones neonatales: Diagnóstico clínico y electroencefalográfico / Neonatal seizures. Clinical and electroencephalographic diagnosis

Las convulsiones neonatales son una expresión común de lesiones cerebrales agudas durante el periodo perinatal y podrían incrementar el daño neuronal. La mayoría son electroencefalográficas y las clínicas pueden ser sutiles y difíciles de identificar por el personal médico. Las convulsiones neonatales son usualmente cortas pero frecuentes al inicio y tienden a desaparecer en un periodo corto. El video-EEG continuo es el test ideal para detectar estas convulsiones, pero el EEG de amplitud es útil cuando el EEG convencional no está disponible. El monitoreo con EEG no solo es necesario para evaluar la frecuencia y duración de estas convulsiones, también puede proporcionar información pronóstica importante.

Neonatal seizures are common expression of acute brain injury in the perinatal period and could potentiate the degree of neuronal injury. The majority of events are electroencephalographic and the clinical seizures can be subtle and difficult to identify by medical personnel. Neonatal seizures are usually short and frequent at onset and have a tendency to subside after a short period. Continuous video-EEG monitoring is the gold standard to detect seizures, but amplitude integrated EEG is a useful tool when conventional EEG is not available. EEG monitoring is important not only to monitor frequency and duration of seizures but to provide important prognostic information.

Perceptions of first year dental students on case based learning in Physiology

Background: Seizure is the most frequent sign of neurologic dysfunction in the neonate. Biochemical disturbances occur frequently in neonatal seizures either as an underlying cause or as associated abnormalities. Early recognition and treatment of biochemical disturbances are essential for optimal management and satisfactory long-term outcome. The aims were to study the biochemical abnormalities in neonatal seizures and to describe the clinical presentation, time of onset and its relation to etiology of neonatal seizures. Materials and methods: The present study included 125 neonates presenting with seizures admitted to neonatal unit. Detailed antenatal, natal and postnatal history was taken and examination of baby was done. Then relevant investigations including biochemical parameters were done and etiology of neonatal seizures and their associated biochemical abnormalities were diagnosed. Results: In the present study out of 125 neonates studied. 112 were full-term of which, 97 (77.6%) were AGA and 15 (12%) were SGA, 11(8.8%) were preterm and 2 (1.6%) was post-term babies. 121 (96.8%) were hospital deliveries and 110 (88%) were spontaneous vaginal deliveries. 78 (62.4%) were with birth weight > 2.5 kg. In our study, 90 (72%) cases had on set of seizures within first 3 days. The highest number was seen on first day of life 70(56%). Subtle seizures were the most common type of seizures in our study 52 (41.6%). Birth asphyxia was the most common cause of neonatal seizures in our study 68(54.4%), followed by neonates meningitis 21 (16.8%) and metabolic disorders 12 (9.6%). The most common biochemical abnormality detected in neonatal seizures in Hypocalcemia and Hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was the commonest etiology of neonatal seizures and in them most of the seizures had on onset in the first 72 hours. Overall focal clonic and subtle Wakil Paswan, Bankey Behari Singh. A study of clinico-biochemical profile of neonatal seizure: A tertiary care hospital study. IAIM, 2018; 5(4): 139-143. Page 140 seizures were the commonest seizure types encountered. Hypocalcemia was the commonest biochemical abnormality in primary metabolic seizures. Biochemical abnormalities were commonly associated with other etiologies like asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage and meningitis; hence these should be actively sought for and treated for optimal seizure control.

Eventos Críticos en el Recién Nacido / Newborn Critical Events

El periodo neonatal corresponde a una etapa en el desarrollo en el que las convulsiones constituyen la expresión clínica de disfunción del sistema nervioso central. Estas se manifiestan por una alteración en la función neurológica que puede ser motora, autonómica, de la conducta o una combinación de ellas. Dado que en este periodo el desarrollo anatómico, bioquímico y fisiológico, presentan características muy diferentes al desarrollo del niño mayor, las convulsiones pueden ser muy difíciles de identificar y pueden confundirse con eventos clínicos paroxísticos no epilépticos del recién nacido. Lo anterior se explica porque las convulsiones presentan patrones poco organizados, suelen no ser bien definidas y el registro electroencefalográfico es diferente al del niño mayor. En su mayoría las CN son secundarias a una etiología específica, por lo que es indispensable encontrar la causa lo cual se encuentra fuertemente relacionado al pronóstico. También es necesario diferenciar los eventos no epilépticos, para un óptimo manejo. Palabras clave: convulsiones neonatales, newborn, seizures, non epileptic seizures, disfunción cerebral.

The neonatal period corresponds to a developmental stage in which seizures are the clinical expression of central nervous system dysfunction. These are manifested by a change in neurological function that can be motor, autonomic, behavior or a combination of them.Given that in this period the anatomical, biochemical and physiological development present with very different characteristics to those of the older child, seizures can be very difficult to identify, and can be confused with paroxysmal non epileptic clinical events of the newborn. This is explains why seizures have little organized patterns are often not well defined and the Electroencephalographic record is different from that found in the older child. For the most part, neonatal seizures are secondary to a specific etiology, so it is essential to find the cause, which is strongly related to the prognosis. It is also necessary to differentiate non-epileptic events, for optimal handling. Key words: Neonatal seizures, neonatal, non epileptic seizures, brain dysfunction.

Encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica: aspectos clínicos de gravidade / Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: clinical aspects of severity

Objetivo: Analisar a gravidade da asfixia perinatal e sua evolução baseada na classificação de Sarnat & Sarnat. Métodos: Estudo descritivo observacional, longitudinal, prospectivo, iniciado em maio de 2009 a partir da avaliação de todo recém-nascido com diagnóstico clínico e/ou laboratorial de asfixia, nas unidades de Neonatologia de hospital pediátrico de nível terciário de atenção (Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin/Fortaleza/CE). A classificação de gravidade da asfixia de Sarnat foi correlacionada com as variáveis: idade gestacional, sexo, peso de nascimento, Apgar do quinto minuto, necessidade de cuidados de terapia intensiva, suporte de ventilação mecânica, sinais e sintomas clínicos na primeira semana de vida, presença de convulsões, uso de anticonvulsivantes, presença de mal-epilético e desfecho. Foi aplicada análise estatística simples pelos programas Excel e SPSS v17.0. Aplicação de teste do Quiquadrado nas análises bivariadas. Resultados: Foram analisados 200 neonatos com asfixia perinatal. A amostra contou com 67% de pacientes do sexo masculino, 92% a termo e 64% com peso superior a 2,5 kg. Cerca de 75% tinham registros de reanimação ao nascimento. A crise convulsiva precoce foi a manifestação neurológica mais referida (55%), sobretudo no primeiro dia de vida (70%). A encefalopatia leve foi mais prevalente (45%), seguida pela moderada (41%). As alterações sistêmicas mais registradas foram: infecção sistêmica, acidose metabólica, sangramento, bradicardia e hipoglicemia. A disfagia foi a alteração neurológica mais comum a longo prazo (84%). Conclusão: A classificação neurológica de Sarnat & Sarnat se associa com risco de convulsão, estado de mal convulsivo, hiper-reflexia, hipotonia e necessidade de terapia intensiva.