Evaluating Risk Factors for Recurrent Seizures in Children Younger than 14 Years Old

Abstract

Background and purpose: Identifying the predictors of seizure recurrence is of great help in controlling the disease and preventing recurrence in patients. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for recurrence of seizures in children younger than 14 years of age. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, we reviewed the medical records of patients admitted to pediatric neurology clinic in Tehran Imam Hussein Hospital between June 2016 and November 2017. Information including patients’ demographic and clinical data, and seizure recurrence and times were extracted. Data were analyzed in SPSS V23. Results: The participants were 210 patients (mean age: 62.40±46.79 months), including 53% males. Recurrence of seizures was observed in 81 patients. In 45 patients with recurrent seizures and 101 patients without recurrent seizure, the type of seizure was tonic-clonic. Abnormal developments were seen in 45.7% of patients with recurrent seizures and 15.5% of patients without recurrent seizures. Gestational age and abnormality in first electroencephalogram (EEG) were identified as predictors of seizure recurrence. Conclusion: Preventive treatments are highly recommended in patients with low gestational age and disordered EEG to prevent subsequent seizures and their complications

Keywords

• seizure
• recurrence
• risk factors
• pediatrics