Independent role of neonatal seizures in subsequent neurological outcomes: a population‐based study

Abstract

Aim This population‐based study aimed to estimate the impact of neonatal seizures on subsequent neurological outcomes, regardless of underlying etiology. Method We performed a retrospective cohort study (1st January 2009–31st December 2014), using a USA nationwide claims database. Newborn infants enrolled in 2009 were followed for up to 6 years. Neonatal seizures were identified by combining the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code of 779.0 (convulsions in newborn), procedure codes of electroencephalogram and brain imaging, and antiepileptic drugs claims. Cox regression models were built to estimate the independent impact of neonatal seizures on developing epilepsy, intellectual disability, psychiatric/behavioral disorders, and headache. Results Out of 490 071 newborn infants (251 850 males [51.4%], 238 221 females [48.6%]), 800 neonatal seizure cases were identified. After controlling for sex, birthweight, preterm birth status, and underlying etiology, neonates with seizures were more likely to have epilepsy (hazard ratio=32.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]=27.7−38.7; p<0.001), intellectual disability (hazard ratio=2.0; 95% CI=1.8−2.3; p<0.001), and headache (hazard ratio=1.6; 95% CI=1.1−2.2; p=0.013) than those without seizures. Interpretation Observed covariates being equal, seizures in neonates appeared to play a significant role in developing epilepsy, intellectual disability, and headache. The findings showed a detrimental impact of the event in the very early life on neurological outcomes in later life. What this paper adds Seizures had their own impact on the development of adverse neurological outcomes. The magnitude of impact was quite large in epilepsy.

The independent role of neonatal seizures in epilepsy and other long‐term neurological outcomes

“…The magnitude of impact was greatest for epilepsy. 1 This paper gives new input for research on epileptogenesis following neonatal seizures, by confirming an independent association in an unselected cohort, thus strengthening previous data from hospital-based series, and reducing potential biases. The choice to include electroencephalography (EEG) codes improves diagnostic accuracy, as EEG confirmation is mandatory for diagnosis of neonatal seizures.The follow-up length increases the likelihood of a fairly realistic estimate of the incidence of epilepsy, as in the majority of cases following neonatal seizures it tends to begin in the first year of life.…”

“…Oh et al . provide data from a large longitudinal, population‐based study using a nationwide healthcare administrative database.…”

“…The hazards for epilepsy, intellectual disability, and headache remained significant after excluding confounding factors. The magnitude of impact was greatest for epilepsy …”

“…Oh et al 1 provide data from a large longitudinal, population-based study using a nationwide healthcare administrative database. The hazards for epilepsy, intellectual disability, and headache remained significant after excluding confounding factors.…”

Lidocaine as treatment for neonatal seizures: Evaluation of previously developed population pharmacokinetic models and dosing regimen

“…Neonatal seizures are signs of a serious neurological disorder in the neonatal period and are often caused by underlying brain pathology such as hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), central nervous system infections or intracranial haemorrhage . Neonatal seizures are associated with an increased risk of long‐term morbidity, including epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders possibly by adding damage to an already lesioned brain .…”