Etiology and Short Term Outcome of Neonatal Convulsion in NICU at Benghazi Children Hospital

Background: Neonatal seizures are the most prominent feature of neurological dysfunction during neonatal period, which are abnormal electrical discharges in the central nervous system of neonates, usually manifest as stereotyped muscular activity or autonomic changes, occurring in approximately 1.8 - 3.5/1000 live birth. Objective: The aims of study are to determine prevalence rate, natural history, time of onset, etiological factors, clinical types and the short term outcome of neonatal convulsion. Settings: This study conducted in Neonatal Department at Benghazi Children Hospital—Libya. Patients and Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study, included all neonates who developing clinically identifiable seizures, admitted from 1st of March 2013 to 1st of March 2014. The data collected by using a designed perform including; gender, nationality, residence, place of transfer, gestational age, time of onset, mode of delivery, and history of maternal diseases, family history of neonatal seizures in previous siblings or death, jaundice and exchange transfusion were taken. Details examination include dysmorphic features, weight, head circumference were recorded. Types of seizures were diagnosed by clinical observations, and the etiology of neonatal seizures had been identified from imaging study and from initial relevant investigations which include blood glucose levels, arterial blood gases, serum calcium, electrolytes, phosphate and cerebrospinal fluid examination for evidence of infection. In addition to treatments received, as well as causes of deaths. Results: A total of 2842 neonates were admitted to NNW, out of which 150 had seizures. 86 (57%) were male with M:F ratio of 1.3:1. (97%) were Libyan and (76%) from Benghazi, (42%) admitted directly from home. 131 (87%) were term and 15 (10%) preterm. Most of neonatal seizures (76%) were seen in the 1st week of life, and during initial 72 hours of life (63%), with 24% presented in 1st 24 hours of life. Vaginal delivery conducted in 101 (67%), C/S 49 (33%). Among babies with birth asphyxia, 76% delivered vaginally. 43/150 mothers presented with different medical problems, 32% of them had preeclampsia followed by diabetes in 28%. 127 (85%) babies had normal birth weight and 128 (86%) lie within normal range of head circumference. The most common type of seizure was subtle (48%) followed by clonic (36%). Cranial ultrasound performed to 110 (73%), among them, 16 babies MRI or CT scan were done. The most common cause of seizure was birth asphyxia (30%) followed by infection (16%), hypocalcemia (14%). Phenobarbitone was the most common drug used in treatment (60%), followed by phenytoin (40%) and resistant cases for treatment received pyridoxine (2%). 77 (52%) improved and discharged home without treatment. Mortality rate was 15%; among them 44% from IEM, followed by birth asphyxia 22%. There is strong association between main causes and the outcome with p = 0.005. Conclusion: The majority of neonates in our study were full term and male. The most common etiology of seizures is birth asphyxia. Hypocalcemia is the most common biochemical abnormality. Subtle represents the commonest type of seizure. Phenobarbitone is still the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsant. Inborn error of metabolism carries a higher mortality rate. Statically analysis showed there is significant association between main causes of neonatal convulsions and the outcome with p = 0.005.