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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Criteria for discontinuing neonatal seizure therapy: a long-term appraisal

P Scarpa, R Chierici, L Tamisari

    Brain & Development
    |January 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Discontinuing neonatal anticonvulsant treatment requires careful evaluation of seizure control and EEG abnormalities. Persistent EEG abnormalities are key to guiding treatment duration and discontinuation in newborns.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal neurology
    • Pediatric epilepsy

    Background:

    • Neonatal seizures are a common neurological problem in newborns.
    • Anticonvulsant treatment is often necessary but carries potential risks.
    • Establishing clear criteria for discontinuing treatment is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate criteria for discontinuing anticonvulsant treatment in newborns with seizures.
    • To identify key variables influencing treatment duration and cessation.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied 55 newborns with seizures, performing serial clinical and EEG examinations.
    • Treatment with phenobarbital was discontinued based on seizure characteristics, EEG findings, and etiology.
    • Follow-up assessments were conducted for up to 8 years.

    Main Results:

    • Only 4 out of 55 children relapsed after treatment discontinuation.
    • Relapses were generally mild and often without EEG abnormalities.
    • Persistence of EEG abnormalities was the most significant factor in planning treatment duration.

    Conclusions:

    • The employed criteria for discontinuing neonatal anticonvulsant therapy are effective.
    • EEG abnormality persistence is the most critical factor for guiding treatment decisions.
    • This study provides evidence-based guidelines for managing neonatal seizures.

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