Neuropediatrics 2006; 37 - TP4
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945597

RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PRENATAL AND PERINATAL BRAIN INSULT AND SUBSEQUENT EPILEPSY

Y Tsuboi 1, N Kawaguchi 1, G Imataka 1, A Nitta 1, H Suzumura 1, G Tanaka 1, K Kimura 1, M Eguchi 1, H Yamanouchi 1
  • 1Pediatrics, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Mibu Shimotsuga, Tochigi, Japan

Objectives: To explore the relationship between fetal or perinatal brain insult and subsequent epilepsy.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 357 patients who were admitted to our hospital, and followed for 3 years or more.

Results: Epilepsy was recognized in 15 patients during this period. Among patients weighing under 1,500g at birth, epilepsy occurred in 2.8%, whereas in those weighing 1,500g or more at birth, the rate was 5.2%. Mean age at epilepsy development was 51 months in patients weighing under 1,500g at birth, and 21 months in those weighing 1,500g or more at birth. The etiology of epilepsy was asphyxia (Apgar score 3 or less at 1 minute) and neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage in most of the patients weighing under 1,500g at birth, whereas prenatal periventricular leukomalacia and perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were common in those weighing 1,500g or more at birth. Epilepsy treatments for patients who weighed under 1,500g at birth were successful, but over half of those with epilepsy who weighed 1,500g or more at birth needed three or more antiepileptic drugs.

Conclusion: Careful management for brain insult during prenatal and perinatal periods should be required to prevent development of epilepsy.