Decreasing perinatal mortality: unchanged infantile spasm morbidity

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Infantile spasms incidence may serve as an indicator for prenatal and perinatal care quality.
• Historical data from southern Finland (1960-1991) was analyzed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between changes in infantile spasms incidence and evolving prenatal/perinatal care.
• To identify factors influencing infantile spasms and their potential preventability.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of infantile spasms cases in two distinct time periods (1960-1976 and 1977-1991).
• Comparison of the incidence of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants and neonatal hypoglycemia between the two periods.
• Evaluation of trends in brain malformations, malformation syndromes, and tuberous sclerosis diagnoses.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in the incidence of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants and neonatal hypoglycemia was observed.
• An increase in diagnosed brain malformations, malformation syndromes, and tuberous sclerosis cases was noted, likely due to improved diagnostic methods.
• Small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants showed a higher predisposition to infantile spasms compared to preterm infants appropriate for gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Early prenatal factors significantly contribute to the development of infantile spasms.
• While direct reduction of infantile spasms incidence is challenging, improving prenatal care to reduce SGA infants is vital.
• Prompt treatment of neonatal hypoglycemia is important for potentially preventing infantile spasms in affected infants.