Etiological Profile of Children Presenting with First-Onset Seizures: A Prospective Study

ABSTRACT

Seizures can be defined as transient alteration in consciousness which generally manifests as specific behavioral and motor activity. Seizures are one of the common causes of admissions to pediatric intensive care units. Though seizures can start at any age and no age is an exemption to the onset of seizures, it usually occurs in early childhood or late adulthood. We undertook this prospective study to analyze clinical presentation and etiological profile of children presenting with first onset seizures before 12 years of age. Methods: This was a prospective study in which children between the age group of 1-12 years and presenting with new onset seizures were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history was taken and through clinical examination was done in all the cases. Routine investigations such as complete blood count, serum electrolytes and random blood sugar was done in all the cases. Neuroimaging was done in selected cases. SSPS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 60 cases there were 34 boys (56.67%) and 26 girls (43.33%) with a MF ratio of 10.76. Most common affected age group was less than 5 years of age (40%) followed by 5-8 years (35%) and 9-12 years (25%). Most common type of seizures seen in studied cases were generalized tonic clonic seizures which were seen in 45 (75%) cases followed by generalized tonic seizures which were seen in 10 (16.67%) cases. After convulsions lethargy was found to be the most common accompanying clinical feature in studied cases which was seen in 27 (45%) patients. most common cause of convulsions in the studied cases was febrile seizures which was seen in 22 (36.67%) patients followed by pyogenic meningitis (20%) and cerebral palsy (11.67%). EEG and Neuroimaging abnormalities were seen in 12 (20) and 14 (25%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Seizures are one of the common emergencies faced by pediatricians. Its correct etiological diagnosis is important from the point of view of proper management.