DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0112

Pages: 1196-1200

Background: Neonatal seizures are a common neurological issue in NICUs, often presenting as paroxysmal EEG activity with minimal clinical signs. They can be classified into acute symptomatic, provoked, and unprovoked seizures, with causes ranging from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and infections to metabolic abnormalities and genetic factors. Phenobarbital remains the primary treatment despite limited advancements. Seizures can lead to increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, emphasizing the need for EEG monitoring and improved neonatal care resources. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the underlying causes and hospital outcomes of neonatal seizures within a hospital setting. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Medical College for Woman and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between July 2011 to December 2012. Data were collected from medical records of neonates aged ≤28 days diagnosed with seizures during hospitalization, excluding those with incomplete records or post-discharge seizures. Demographic, maternal, perinatal, clinical, and seizure characteristics were documented, including gender, birth weight, gestational age, symptoms, seizure onset, and type. Etiologies and management strategies were assessed. Result: The study found a higher incidence of seizures in male neonates (62.22%). Normal birth weight was observed in 48.89% of cases, while 51.11% were born at term. Antenatal care was received by 77.78% of mothers, and C-section was the predominant delivery mode (55.56%). Lethargy (71.11%) was the most common clinical feature, and seizures most often occurred between 2-7 days (44.44%). Generalized seizures were most frequent (33.33%), with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy being the leading cause (31.11%). Anticonvulsants were the primary treatment (88.89%), and full recovery was noted in