A study of biochemical abnormalities and manifestations of neonatal seizures

ABSTRACT

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.