Study of clinical and biochemical profile of neonatal seizures

Introduction: Neonatal Seizure is defined as a paroxysmal involuntary disturbance of cerebral function. Neonatal seizures are a common problem. Common etiology of neonatal seizures is brain disorders, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, central nervous system (CNS) infections, CNS bleeds, and structural anomalies of the brain or secondary to metabolic problems, for example, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and other electrolyte disturbances. Objective: To study Clinical and Biochemical abnormalities associated with neonatal seizures. Material and Methods: An observational study was conducted in ninety newborns with seizures admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After taking a complete history and appropriate physical examination, blood sample was collected for detecting metabolic abnormalities before instituting specific therapy. Results: Total ninety neonates presented with seizures were enrolled in this study. Among them, male was 52 (57.78%), and female was 38 (42.22%). In present study, majority of neonates 30% had the onset of seizures within 24 hr. In ninety neonates, the number of neonates with subtle seizures was 62 (68.89%), tonic seizure was 11 (12.22%), and clonic was 10 (11.11%).In ninety neonates, hypoglycemia was reported in 32.22% of neonates, followed by birth asphyxia 25.56%, hypocalcemia in 24.44% neonates, hyponatremia in 13.33% of neonates, hypomagnesemia in 4.44% of neonates. Conclusion: Early identification and management of biochemical abnormalities are essential for satisfactory long-term outcome. The common metabolic causes for neonatal seizures in India include hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, birth asphyxia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia.