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Published on: June 11, 2020
Neonatal status epilepticus
Russell Lawrence1, Terrie Inder
1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA. Lawrence_R@kids.wustl.edu
Insights
Neonatal seizures are common due to immature brain development and pose risks. This review covers causes, treatments, and potential long-term neurodevelopmental harm from these seizures in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental neuroscience
- Epileptology
Background:
- Neonatal seizures are the most common seizure type across the human lifespan.
- Neonates possess a developmental predisposition to seizures due to heightened excitatory neuronal activity.
- A lack of consensus definition for status epilepticus in neonates complicates diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common etiologies of recurrent neonatal seizures.
- To discuss current trends in monitoring and treating neonatal seizures.
- To examine evidence on the neurodevelopmental impact of neonatal seizures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal and human studies.
- Analysis of current clinical practices in neonatal seizure management.
- Synthesis of data on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Results:
- Neonatal seizures have diverse etiologies.
- Monitoring and treatment strategies are evolving.
- Evidence suggests neonatal seizures can negatively impact long-term neurodevelopment.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal seizures are a significant concern requiring further research.
- Standardized definitions and treatment protocols are needed.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to mitigate adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Abstract:
Seizures are more prevalent during the neonatal period than at any other time in the human lifespan. During early development, neonates are developmentally predisposed to excitatory neuronal activity increasing their susceptibility to seizures. Status epilepticus is poorly defined in this subpopulation with a lack of a consensus definition. In this review, we discuss the common etiologies of recurrent seizures in the newborn in addition to current trends on monitoring and treatment. Finally, we discuss the current evidence in both animal and human studies that indicate that neonatal seizures may be harmful to the immature brain with adverse long-term neurodevelopment outcomes.
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