Neonatal seizures-clinical profile and evaluation of associated biochemical abnormalities in a tertiary newborn intensive care unit

Background: Seizure is the most common sign of neurological dysfunction in a neonate. Seizures increase the risk of impaired neurologic development and also the risk of death. Neonatal seizures per se are not a disease entity but rather a symptom commonly related to significant underlying disorders. Methods: It is a non-randomized prospective observational study conducted in the NICU at Ranees hospital, government Pudukkottai medical college, Pudukkottai from December 2023 to June 2024. Both intramural and extramural neonates with seizures were included in the study as per protocol and evaluated. Results: Out of the 152 neonates included in the study, 64% had onset of seizure in the first day of life. A slight male preponderance in seizure incidence is noted. Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy is the commonest aetiology followed by biochemical abnormalities. Subtle seizures are the commonest single type of seizures and subtle + multifocal combined are the commonest combination type seen. Hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia are the common biochemical abnormalities noted. Conclusions: Early recognition of seizures and early correction of the Biochemical abnormalities is crucial to prevent neonatal morbidity and mortality.