20% of Newborns with Neonatal Seizures May Develop Epilepsy by Age One: Research
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Synopsis
A recent study reveals that 20% of newborns with neonatal seizures are at risk of developing epilepsy by age one. Conducted by researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital, the findings indicate significant long-term implications for affected infants, urging the need for tailored follow-up and preventive measures.
Key Takeaways
- 20% of newborns with neonatal seizures may develop epilepsy.
- Risk factors include brain malformations and low Apgar scores.
- Seizures may result from various acute neurological injuries.
- Most neonatal survivors do not develop epilepsy.
- Further studies are suggested to understand genetic predispositions.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Twenty percent of newborns experiencing neonatal seizures are likely to develop epilepsy by their first birthday, according to a study released on Wednesday.
Neonatal seizures are among the most common acute neurological issues faced by infants in neonatal care.
Researchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet in Denmark discovered that the likelihood of developing epilepsy remains elevated throughout adolescence following neonatal seizures. The research team evaluated data from 1,998 children born in Denmark who had neonatal seizures.
Published in the journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, the findings indicated that the cumulative risk of epilepsy was 20.4% for children with neonatal seizures, compared to only 1.15% for those without.
Among the affected children, 11.4% were diagnosed with epilepsy before turning one year old. An additional 4.5% were diagnosed between the ages of one and five, 3.1% between five and ten, and 1.4% between ten and twenty-two years. Factors such as stroke, hemorrhage, or structural brain abnormalities in newborns, along with low Apgar test scores (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration), were linked to a higher risk of developing epilepsy.
Neonatal seizures often arise from acute cerebral injury or stressors, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, stroke, and cerebral infections. They may also result from temporary brain changes of metabolic or toxic origin, although congenital brain malformations and genetic factors are recognized contributors.
Furthermore, the study identified that the risk of epilepsy following neonatal seizures was highest among those with cerebral malformations or perinatal brain injuries. Even children suffering from perinatal asphyxia (oxygen deprivation) faced a heightened risk.
Additionally, the likelihood of experiencing febrile seizures (convulsions due to fever) was significantly increased in neonatal survivors with a history of neonatal seizures, though not as markedly as the risk of epilepsy.
“This study emphasizes the need to identify infants with risk factors for individualized follow-up and preventive strategies,” stated Jeanette Tinggaard from the university.
“Importantly, four out of five neonatal survivors with a history of seizures did not develop epilepsy, and we recommend future research to explore potential genetic predispositions,” Tinggaard concluded.
