An Investigation of Biochemical Abnormalities Associated with Neonatal Seizures
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Abstract
Neonatal seizures, which occur in around 0.10 to 1.2% of newborns, are a frequently encountered neurological issue in infancy. These seizures frequently arise from underlying factors, such as neurological and metabolic abnormalities. It is essential to comprehend the metabolic aspects of neonatal seizures due to their high occurrence and potential seriousness. This understanding is vital for effectively managing seizures and enhancing clinical outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine different metabolic abnormalities linked to neonatal seizures. During a one-year period from January 2023 to January 2024, we conducted an observational study that involved all newborns with seizures who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to their illness. Among the 70 neonates that were examined, the highest number of cases (55%) were found to be isolated metabolic seizures associated with hypoglycemia. In addition, there were 18 instances (27%) of isolated hypocalcemia, 11 instances (14%) of isolated hypomagnesemia, as well as 2 instances (2%) each of hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypokalemia. The main biochemical abnormalities that occur in both metabolic and non-metabolic seizures are hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. To mitigate the risk of mortality, it is advisable to evaluate the serum levels of magnesium, calcium, and glucose in all newborns who are having seizures.