RESUMO
This study aimed to determine the post-ictal prolactin (PL) response in different types of seizures and seizure-like events in children, and correlate with the post-ictal duration. Patients were divided into group I (generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures or simple partial seizures), group II (febrile convulsions) and group III (conditions mimicking seizures). Group IV consisted of 25 controls. Blood was collected within 2 hours of the seizure and PL levels assayed. PL levels were significantly high only within group I; highest and baseline levels were attained within 10 minutes and by 100 minutes respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of elevated PL for epileptic seizures were 64 percent and 98 percent respectively. It is concluded that a high prolactin level within 100 minutes of a seizure is suggestive that a generalized or complex partial seizure has occurred.