P-EP030. Epilepsy in a child with a history of maternal thyroid dysfunction: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial for brain development. Though the underlying molecular mechanism is yet known, the effects of THs on inhibitory and excitatory neurons may affect brain seizure activity through GABAergic and glutamatergic neuron transmission. There are hypothesis showing THs dysfunction in pregnancy may affect neurocognitive development with increased the risk of neonatal seizure, febrile seizure and epilepsy in children. Results. We report a 2-year-old male patient admitted to the outpatient department with a history of repeated seizures since 3 months ago. Seizures had recurred three times, with generalized tonic clonic seizure as its semiology. Patient was the third child, prematurely born with a mother diagnosed with hyperthyroid during her antenatal period. He had complete immunization schedule. History of developmental delay was seen. Physical examination showed open anterior fontanelle, negative meningeal signs. Routine lab examination and thyroid levels were unremarkable. Electroencephalogram findings revealed intermittent slowing on the right temporal region, and brain MRI showed cerebral atrophy with no mesial temporal sclerosis. Patient was treated with valproic acid and was seizure free since. Conclusion. Maternal thyroid dysfunction may have an effect on seizures and brain development in neonates. Therefore, antenatal care and screening of thyroid levels in maternal patients may be vital in the future. To our knowledge, there are still limited amount of study available regarding this condition, thus study with abundant amount of samples needed to procure further information.