Profile of West syndrome in North Indian children

To study the profile of West syndrome (WS) in North Indian Children, 165 cases of WS were analyzed. Details of seizure semiology, prenatal and perinatal events, developmental milestones, treatment received, physical and neurological examination and investigations were recorded. The response of seizures to various therapeutic modalities and the final developmental status were taken as primary outcome variables. Analysis was done to find the factors influencing these outcome variables. The age of onset of infantile spasms ranged from 1 to 19 (mean 6.1 +/- 3.4) months. Age at presentation ranged from 1.5 months to 4.5 years (mean 14.7 +/- 11.4 months); 74% had flexor spasms. Other types of seizures were associated in 31 children. Antenatal problems and adverse perinatal events were reported in 26.7 and 59.4%, respectively. Developmental delay was recognized in 69.7% prior to and in 27.9% after onset of spasms. Microcephaly was seen in 72.7%. Interictal EEG showed hypsarrhythmia in 44; generalized spike and slow waves in 31% and burst suppression in 7%. Computed tomography scan done in 94 cases showed cerebral atrophy in 15%, infarcts in 8%, tubers in 7%, developmental malformations in 5%. Magnetic resonance imaging done in 77 cases showed periventricular T2WI white matter hyper intensities in 33.8% and cerebral atrophy in 21%. Prednisolone and ACTH were used in 57 and 35 cases, respectively. Complete control of seizures was seen in 49 and 46% cases. No significant difference in seizure control or developmental outcome was found in the two groups. Overall, 42.4, 30.9 and 16% children showed complete, partial and no control of seizures. After therapy, developmental improvement was seen in 55.8% and no change in 23.6% cases. The type of spasms had no correlation with the other parameters including etiology, seizure or developmental outcome. An early age of onset correlated with presence of antenatal problems (P < 0.05). Seizure control and developmental improvement correlated significantly (P < 0.005). Developmental outcome was better in cryptogenic as compared to symptomatic cases (P < 0.05). No other significant correlations were found. In India WS is often diagnosed late because of lack of awareness. Adverse perinatal events are important etiological factors. Non-affordability of ACTH and Vigabatrin prompts the use of prednisolone in most cases.