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[Prolonged seizures in children in sub-Saharan Africa Clinical aspects and management]

C Kaputu-Kalala-Malu1, D Mukeba Kahamba2, O Ntumba-Tshitenge3

  • 1Université de Kinshasa service de neurologie pédiatrique, département de neurologie, centre neuropsychopathologique, faculté de médecine, université de Kinshasa, République démocratique du Congo, Service universitaire de pédiatrie-neuropédiatrie, CHR-CHU Sart-Tilman, université de liège, 4000 Liège, Belgique.

Medecine Et Sante Tropicales
|June 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged seizures in children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are often linked to fever, primarily caused by malaria. Prompt administration of long-acting antiepileptic drugs may enhance patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Context:

  • Limited epidemiologic data on prolonged seizures in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
  • Prolonged seizures defined as lasting longer than 5 minutes.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clinical presentation, causes, pharmacologic management, and short-term outcomes of prolonged seizures in children in DRC and Rwanda.
  • To identify key factors influencing the course and prognosis of these seizures.

Summary:

  • A study of 436 children (5 months to 10 years) with prolonged seizures revealed fever (63.5%) and malaria (63%) as common findings.
  • Status epilepticus occurred in 26% of cases, with focal seizures in 21%. Recurrence was 38% and mortality 4%.
  • Pre-existing psychomotor delay was noted in 7%, and only 13% were on antiepileptic therapy prior to presentation.

Impact:

  • Highlights malaria as a critical, treatable cause of prolonged seizures in this region.
  • Suggests that immediate intervention with long-acting antiepileptic drugs could significantly improve outcomes.
  • Underscores the need for enhanced diagnostic and treatment strategies for pediatric seizures in resource-limited settings.
Abstract

Keywords:
Democratic Republic of CongoRwandachildrenprolonged seizuressub-Saharan Africa

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