Clinico-etiological profile of seizures in the pediatric age group

Background: The etiologies of pediatric seizures are multifaceted, involving infections, structural brain abnormalities, or genetic factors. The objective of this study was to find the clinico-etiological profile of seizures in children and to estimate the association of different seizure etiology with demographic factors Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months on 400 children aged between 1 month and 18 years presenting with their first episode of seizures at Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur. Data was collected on predesigned Performa which included history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. The data was analyzed using SPSS-22 software. A p-value<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of children was 5.51 (4.43) years. The majority of children were from the age group 3-6 years (164, 41%). Males were 242 (60.5%). Most were birth order >3 (153, 38.2%). Most were from joint families (259, 64.8%), from rural livelihood (349, 87.3%), and from lower socioeconomic status (134, 33.5%). Family history of seizures was positive in 78 (19.5%). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type (159, 39.8%). The leading causes of seizures were febrile seizures (153, 38.2%), and CNS infections like meningitis (97, 24.2%). Fever was the most common symptom (282, 70.5%). A significant association of etiology of seizures was seen with lower age groups, lower socioeconomic status, rural livelihood, and positive family history. Conclusions: Seizures are common in <6 years of age with male preponderance and febrile seizure is the most common cause. Most of these seizures are generalized in nature.