Childhood epilepsy in Cameroon: Clinical patterns, predictive factors, and educational impact at a tertiary hospital

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Limited data on childhood epilepsy in Cameroon prompted this study.

We conducted a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over six months (December 2023-May 2024). Medical records of children aged 3 months to 15 years, diagnosed with epilepsy and followed at Douala General Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023, were analyzed. Statistical analysis used SPSS 26.0, with Fisher's exact and chi-square tests for associations, and logistic regression for predictive factors (p < 0.05).

142 patients were included (male-to-female ratio = 1.21). Epilepsy prevalence was 2.4 %. Generalized seizures predominated (65.7 %) with focal epileptic abnormalities in 50.7 % of cases. Idiopathic generalized epilepsy represented 57.7 % of cases. Sodium valproate was used in 52.8 % of cases. Main etiological factors included: neonatal convulsions (61; 43 %), febrile seizures (49; 34.5 %) and neonatal asphyxia (35; 24.6 %). Seizures persisted in 35 patients (24.6 %) under treatment. Predictive factors for poor seizure control included unknown seizure type (OR 14.25 [1.10-183.97]; p = 0.04), cryptogenic focal epilepsy (OR 12.55 [1.58-99.71]; p = 0.02), and use of prayers or traditional medicines (OR 7.45 [1.01-55.13]; p = 0.05). Memory disorders significantly impacted school performance (OR 4.95 [1.80-13.59]; p = 0.002), along with lack of concentration (OR 3.04 [1.04-8.84]; p = 0.04).

This study identified specific predictive factors for poor epileptic control and confirms cognitive impact on schooling, providing intervention targets to optimize neurological and educational management in Cameroon.