Frequency, causes, and findings of brain CT scans of neonatal seizure at Ardabil City Hospital, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Background: Neonatal seizures are the primary and most important signs of neurologic function disorders that often lead to serious complications. However, this disorder is predictable and manageable with suitable diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, causes, and findings of brain CT scans of neonatal seizure.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study has been done on 70 neonates with seizures who hospitalized in Ardabil city hospital during 2016-2017. CT scans were done for all patients. Necessary information for each patient was recorded in a checklist including demographic data, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and maternal endocrine disorders, and history of resuscitation and clinical data including type of seizure and its duration, Cause of seizure and CT scan findings (cerebral hemorrhage, local ischemic lesions, hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy, and anatomical cerebral malformations).Results: The mean age of neonates was 12.41±9.33 days. Of them, 61.4% were boys, 3.24% LBW and 40% were preterm at birth time. Of all neonates, 21.4% had history of seizure in their relative degree family members. Fever was the most common symptom accompanying seizures (40%). The most common form was tonic seizure (n=30, 42.9%) and its duration time was 4.99 minute. A total of 41.4% of neonates (29 cases) had abnormal CT scan reports. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (47%) was the most common findings in the CT scans of neonates with seizures.Conclusions: Results showed that, a considerable number of neonates had abnormal CT findings and the most common abnormal form was hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy.