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Neonatal cocaine-related seizures
L D Kramer1, G E Locke, A Ogunyemi
1Urban Comprehensive Epilepsy Program of Los Angeles, Institute of Neurological Science, CA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal seizures in infants. These seizures, often presenting shortly after birth, may persist beyond the first month of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cocaine abuse is linked to severe acute neurological issues in users.
- Neurologic complications include stroke, hemorrhage, seizures, and death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on pediatric patients experiencing seizures attributed to maternal cocaine consumption.
- To describe the clinical presentation and course of these neonatal seizures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 16 pediatric patients.
- Evaluation based on neurologic consultation requests.
- Clinical observation and electroencephalographic (EEG) confirmation in some cases.
Main Results:
- All patients presented with postdelivery tremulousness, irritability, and excessive startle responses.
- Stereotypic seizure episodes began shortly after birth.
- EEG confirmed seizures in seven neonates.
- Eight neonates experienced seizures lasting beyond the first month of life.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal seizures are a potential complication of maternal cocaine use.
- Infants exposed to cocaine in utero may exhibit specific neurological symptoms.
- Continued seizures indicate a potentially prolonged neurological impact.