The Frequency of Factors Leading to Epilepsy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of factors leading to epilepsy in cerebral palsy children presenting in tertiary care hospital Karachi.

Study Design: Cross Sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pediatrics Department, Unit III, Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from June 2020 to July 2021.

Materials and Methods: A total of 274 cerebral palsy patients of either gender, between 2-12 years, with a history of epilepsy, were included in the study. Parents were asked about the history of seizures in their children when they were in the neonatal period and also about their family history of seizures. The patient was examined for height (cm), weight (kg), and involvement of all four limbs as quadriplegic type cerebral palsy. Data were entered and analyzed using the computer program SPSS-19. Effect modifiers were controlled by stratification. The Chi-square test was applied post-stratification and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: There were 194 male and 80 female patients. The mean age was 7.49±2.95 (range 2–12) years. The mean weight was 21.95±6.89kg and the mean height was 96.03±35. 50cm. The factors leading to epilepsy were evaluated individually, neonatal seizure was positive in 79.9% of patients, family history of seizure was positive in 26.6% of patients, and quadriplegic type cerebral palsy was found in 62.0% of patients.

Conclusion: A history of neonatal seizures and the occurrence of seizures in the first year of life warrant a close evaluation and appropriate follow-up for early detection of epilepsy. History of neonatal seizure is the most common factor with 79.9%.