Clinical, hematological, and chemical correlates in convulsions of newborns

ABSTRACT

25 neonates aging from 1 to 28 days post-natal and presenting with convulsions or prematurity were the subject of the present study, in addition to 15 healthy full-term neonates as a control group. Full history was taken, clinical and neurological examination as well as hematological and chemical investigations were done aiming at correlating their results in order to diagnose causes of neonatal convulsions which is indeed a difficult task. Results showed that 11 patients [44%] were preterm. Ischemic encephalopathy was suspected in 6 cases [24%] who presented within 3 or 4 days after labor. Positive blood culture was obtained in 12 patients [48%] while CSF culture was positive in only 2 cases [8%]. Hypocalcemia was present in 6 patients, hyponatremia was fonud in 6 patients, hypomagnesemia alone in 3 cases and in association with hypocalcemia in other 2 cases and hypoglycemia in 3 cases. Congenital abnormalities were reported in 3 cases. Congenital abnormalities were reported in 3 cases. Toxoplasmin test [IgG immunoglobulin determination against toxoplasma gondii] was negative in all cases