Etiology and Short-term Outcome of First Seizure in Hospitalized Infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Neonatal Seizures
• Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

• First-time seizures in infants are a significant clinical concern.
• Identifying the etiology of infant seizures is crucial for prognosis.
• Tertiary care centers manage a diverse range of pediatric neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the etiology and outcomes of first-time seizures in infants.
• To determine the incidence of provoked seizures and their causes.
• To assess the short-term developmental outcomes and mortality in this population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 75 infants with a first seizure at a tertiary hospital.
• Comprehensive clinical and biochemical work-up for seizure etiology.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) and developmental assessments at 3 months post-discharge were performed.

Main Results:

• Generalized seizures occurred in 72% of infants; fever was the most common comorbidity (57.3%).
• Provoked seizures accounted for 68%, primarily caused by hypocalcemia (34.3%) and neuro-infections (29.3%).
• Mortality was 9.3% (mostly due to neuro-infections), and 20.3% had developmental delay.

Conclusions:

• Hypocalcemia and neuro-infections are leading causes of provoked seizures in Indian infants.
• Infant seizures are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, including developmental delay.
• Early etiological diagnosis and management are vital for improving outcomes in infants with seizures.