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Prevalence of seizures in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Pauline Samia1, Reneva Petersen, Kathleen G Walker

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Journal of Child Neurology
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric seizures affect nearly 8% of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These children often experience more neurological deficits and developmental delays, highlighting the need for careful management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present with neurological complications in children.
  • Seizures are a significant neurological manifestation in pediatric HIV cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of seizures in children with HIV.
  • To examine the association between seizures and other neurological/developmental outcomes in this population.
  • To assess antiepileptic drug (AED) management and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 354 pediatric HIV patients.
  • Identification of a subgroup experiencing seizures.
  • Comparison of neurological deficits and developmental delay between seizure and non-seizure groups.
  • Review of AED treatments and drug levels.

Main Results:

  • Seizures occurred in 7.6% of pediatric HIV patients.
  • Patients with seizures had significantly higher rates of neurological deficits and developmental delay (P < .001).
  • Common AEDs included sodium valproate, phenobarbital, and diazepam; 5 children required combination therapy. Suboptimal valproic acid levels were noted in 3 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Seizures are a notable complication in pediatric HIV, associated with poorer neurological and developmental outcomes.
  • Optimal seizure management in HIV-infected children may benefit from AED level monitoring, especially when co-administered with antiretroviral therapy.
  • Further research into the neuro-mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for seizures in pediatric HIV is warranted.

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