Authors: Gebremariam, Ayele¹; Gutema, Yoseph²; Leuel, Abadi¹; Fekadu, Habtamu²

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 26, Number 2, June 2006 , pp. 127-131(5)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

In a large majority of term newborns, early-onset neonatal seizures (EONS) are believed to relate to perinatal risk factors.

Aim: To identify risk factors for EONS.

Methods: Among a cohort of 1293 newborns admitted over a period of 2 years to the neonatal intensive care unit of Tikur Anbasa Hospital, Addis Ababa, 93 had seizures. The case control study method was used to identify risk factors associated with EONS. Univariate analysis was used to further examine risk factors after adjusting for the effect of severe perinatal asphyxia (Apgar ≤3).

Results: A total of 78 (85%) term newborns had EONS. Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.74–7.42) and shock (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.51–4.76) were significantly associated with EONS. Multifocal clonic (66%) followed by focal clonic (22%) were the most common types of EONS. Nine (11%) of the newborns with EONS died. During follow-up, 37 (53%) of the 69 surviving newborns with EONS had psychomotor delay with or without neurological deficit.

Conclusion : Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and shock are important causes of EONS.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/146532806X107476

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia 2: Department of Pediatrics, Jimma College of Medical Science, Kefa, Ethiopia

Publication date: 2006-06-01

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• In 2012 Annals of Tropical Paediatrics changed its name to Paediatrics and International Child Health to reflect changes and developments in the subject area. View the issues of Paediatrics and International Child Health available online.
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