Nonsurgical Neurological Emergencies in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management

IF 2.1 3区医学 Q2 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Pediatric neurology Pub Date : 2025-06-07 DOI:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.06.001

Kamo Selangaï Doka Hélène MD , Esene Ignatius MD, MSc, PhD, MPH , Mercy Berinyuy MD , Abouame Haoua Palma MD , Soureya Haman MD , Sap Suzanne MD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to outline the spectrum of pediatric neurological emergencies, assess their prevalence, describe diagnostic approaches, and identify treatment strategies used in their management in a resource-limited country.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, in Garoua General Hospital, Garoua Regional Hospital Center, and Garoua Regional Hospital. Patients’ files were collected from January 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, hence a study period of 16 months. Analysis was done using Excel 2016, and P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

Of all 3602 children hospitalized in pediatric departments, the prevalence of pediatric neurological emergencies was 6.7%. These emergencies were predominant in children aged between five and 10 years (40.62%) with a median age of 4 years. Males (52.68%) had more emergencies compared with females. Febrile convulsions were the most predominant (63.4%) with the main etiology being meningitis and severe malaria being the differential diagnosis (85.8%). Afebrile convulsions represented 20.1%, with epilepsy as the leading cause, occurring in 11.6% (n = 26). The most observed symptom was convulsions with 81.7% for generalized seizures and 4.5% for partial seizures; this was followed by fever (63.8%), vomiting (44.2%), and headache (29.9%). The majority of hospitalized patients were discharged (81.7%); 12.9% checked out against medical advice, and 5.4% died.

Conclusions

Neuropediatric emergencies are frequent and contribute to an increase in infant and child mortality rate. Early diagnosis will lead to early therapy and hence greater chances of survival.

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儿童非手术神经急症：患病率、诊断和管理的横断面研究

本研究旨在概述儿童神经急症的范围，评估其患病率，描述诊断方法，并确定在资源有限的国家用于其管理的治疗策略。方法采用横断面研究方法，于2024年1月1日至2024年6月30日在Garoua总医院、Garoua地区医院中心和Garoua地区医院进行。患者档案收集时间为2023年1月1日至2024年4月30日，研究时间为16个月。使用Excel 2016进行分析，P值<；0.05认为有统计学意义。结果3602例儿科住院患儿中，小儿神经急症发生率为6.7%。这些突发事件主要发生在5至10岁儿童中（40.62%），中位年龄为4岁。男性（52.68%）的突发事件发生率高于女性。以热性惊厥为主（63.4%），主要病因为脑膜炎，鉴别诊断为重症疟疾（85.8%）。发热性惊厥占20.1%，以癫痫为主，占11.6% （n = 26）。最常见的症状是惊厥，全身性发作占81.7%，部分性发作占4.5%；其次是发烧（63.8%）、呕吐（44.2%）和头痛（29.9%）。大多数住院患者出院（81.7%）；12.9%的人违背医嘱检查，5.4%的人死亡。结论小儿神经科急症发生频繁，是婴幼儿死亡率上升的原因之一。早期诊断将导致早期治疗，因此生存的机会更大。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Pediatric neurology 医学-临床神经学

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

2.60%

发文量

176

审稿时长

78 days

期刊介绍： Pediatric Neurology publishes timely peer-reviewed clinical and research articles covering all aspects of the developing nervous system. Pediatric Neurology features up-to-the-minute publication of the latest advances in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric neurologic disorders. The journal''s editor, E. Steve Roach, in conjunction with the team of Associate Editors, heads an internationally recognized editorial board, ensuring the most authoritative and extensive coverage of the field. Among the topics covered are: epilepsy, mitochondrial diseases, congenital malformations, chromosomopathies, peripheral neuropathies, perinatal and childhood stroke, cerebral palsy, as well as other diseases affecting the developing nervous system.