TITLE:
Neonatal Seizures: Epidemiological, Diagnostic Aspects and Short-Term Outcome at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey, Niger
AUTHORS:
Samaila Aboubacar, Kamaye Moumouni, Garba Moumouni, Mamoudou Abdou Djafar, Dan Jari Salissou, Yahaya Haoua, Gagara Adama, Ali Hamani Amina, Toudou Daouda Moussa, Hassane Djibo Fatimata, Soumana Alido
KEYWORDS:
Seizures, Neonatal, Perinatal Asphyxia, Niger
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.13 No.5,
September
25,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Neonatal seizures are one of the most challenging
situations for paediatricians. The objective of this work was to study the
epidemiological and diagnostic aspects and short-term outcomes of neonatal
seizures at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study from November 2020 to April 2021
in the neonatology department of Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital. All newborns
aged 0 to 28 days hospitalized for seizures and/or having convulsions during
hospitalization were included. Neonatal characteristics, diagnostic aspects, and
their outcomes were studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Of the 3.068 newborns admitted, 69 cases of neonatal seizures
were recorded (2.24%). The sex ratio was 1.22, and 94.2% of neonates were born
at term. Generalized crises were found in 50.7%. The main etiologies were
perinatal asphyxia (46.4%) and early-onset neonatal infection (40.6%). The death
rate was 20.3%. Neonates died between one (1) and three (3) days of age in 42.9%.
The main death causes were perinatal asphyxia (50%) and early-onset neonatal
infection (21.4%). Conclusion: Neonatal seizures are uncommon frequent,
with a semiology dominated by generalized seizures. Mortality is high. The
reinforcement of preventive measures is necessary.