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Cerebrovascular disease in pediatric patients
Newra Tellechea Rotta1, Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, Flora Luciana Figueira da Silva
1Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|February 4, 2003
Summary
Childhood stroke is rare but serious, potentially signaling systemic disease. This study identified hematologic, cardiac, and genetic causes in pediatric stroke cases, though some etiologies remained unknown.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Stroke in childhood, though uncommon, can significantly impact a child's life and may indicate underlying systemic conditions.
- Early identification and diagnosis of pediatric stroke are crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze the clinical characteristics, etiological factors, and outcomes of 12 pediatric stroke cases treated at a tertiary care center.
- To highlight the diverse etiologies of stroke in children, including hematologic, cardiac, and genetic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12 pediatric patients (term infants to 12 years) with suspected stroke confirmed by radiological studies.
- Clinical data collection included presenting symptoms, etiological workup, treatment, and patient follow-up (1-6 years).
Main Results:
- The most frequent presenting symptoms were hemiparesis (9 patients) and seizures (7 patients).
- Identified etiologies included hematologic (e.g., sickle cell disease), cardiac (e.g., congenital heart defects), and genetic disorders.
- Six newborns had stroke with unidentified etiology; seven children with seizures received phenobarbital.
- Neonatal seizures secondary to stroke occurred in six term infants within the first 72 hours of life.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric stroke has varied presentations and etiologies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
- Hematologic, cardiac, and genetic factors are significant contributors to childhood stroke.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the causes of stroke in newborns where etiology remains undetermined.