The clinical characteristics and outcomes of infantile seizures in the first year of life: a single-center study

• Main Authors: Anuar, Muhamad Azamin, Zainal Abidin, Muhammad 'Adil, Tan, Soo Hong, Yeap, Cai Fong, Yahaya, Nor Azni
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Subjects: RJ Pediatrics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/107581/1/107581_The%20clinical%20characteristics_In%20Press.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107581/7/107981_The%20clinical%20characteristics.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107581/8/107581_The%20clinical%20characteristics_Scopus.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/107581/; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887899423003545
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction Epilepsy has a high incidence among infants during their first year of life, yet the prognosis can vary significantly. While considerable research has been conducted on infantile spasms, studies examining infantile-onset epilepsy, excluding infantile spasms, remain limited, particularly concerning the factors influencing outcomes. Therefore, our study aims to elucidate seizure control, developmental outcomes, and prognostic factors in infants with epilepsy during their first year of life, within a single-center study in Malaysia. Methods We retrieved data from patients who experienced seizures before the age of 12 months and were followed for over 2 years, using electronic patient records at Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kelantan, a state on Malaysia’s east coast. We retrospectively reviewed these records and assessed clinical outcomes based on the last follow-up. Results Out of 75 patients, 61 (81.3%) achieved good seizure control or remission. At the last follow-up, 24 (32%) exhibited developmental delay, while 19 (25.3%) displayed abnormal neuroimaging. Patients with abnormal background EEG activity, as well as abnormal radiological findings, were more likely to experience poor seizure control and unfavorable developmental outcomes (P<0.05). Conclusion Our study underscores that most infants with epilepsy can achieve seizure remission. However, poor seizure control and developmental delay are associated with abnormal EEG background and characteristics, as well as neuroimaging abnormalities. The management of infantile onset epilepsies may necessitate substantial resources and precise interventions to enhance overall outcomes.