Risk factors of childhood epilepsy in Kerala

Abstract

Background:We aimed to identify the risk factors for epilepsy in children.Materials and Methods:This case–control retrospective study was carried out in the pediatric neurology outpatient service of the Trivandrum Medical College. All children (1–12 years) with epilepsy satisfying the selection criteria were included, after obtaining consent from parents. Those with single seizures or febrile seizures were excluded. Controls were children without epilepsy attending the same hospital. Parents were interviewed and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), and logistic regression.Results:There were 82 cases and 160 controls whose mean age was 6.9 + 3.6 and 5.2 + 3.1, years respectively. On univariate analysis, family history of epilepsy, prolonged labor, cyanosis at birth, delayed cry after birth, admission to newborn intensive care unit, presence of congenital malformations, neurocutaneous markers, incessant cry in the first week, delayed developmental milestones, meningitis, encephalitis, and head trauma were found to be significant. On logistic regression, family history of epilepsy (OR 4.7), newborn distress (OR 8.6), delayed developmental milestones (OR 12.6), and head trauma (OR 5.8) were found to be significant predictors. Infants who had history of newborn distress are likely to manifest epilepsy before 1 year if they are eventually going to have epilepsy (OR 3.4).Conclusion:Modifiable factors such as newborn distress and significant head trauma are significant risk factors for childhood epilepsy. Newborn distress is a risk factor for early-onset (<1 year age) epilepsy.

Pathological risk factors related to mother during pregnancy that lead to epilepsy in children

“…There is a non-significant association between the epilepsy and the number of parity (OR= 0.812). This result agrees with the result of Attumalil et al (9), in their study they who found a non-significant relationship between parity and epilepsy. There is a significant association between epilepsy and mother during pregnancy exposure to domestic violence (OR= 2.765).…”

Epilepsy in India I: Epidemiology and public health

“…[ 55 71 ] Perinatal injury, newborn distress, head trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, malnutrition, and neurocyticersosis were reported as important risk factors of epilepsy in Indian children. [ 89 90 ] Later, majority of studies from India reported a higher prevalence during the 2 nd decade, while a recent estimate from Raina et al ., have reported a higher prevalence in the 4 th decade. [ 24 55 56 59 60 ] This changing pattern in the age-specific occurrence of epilepsy might be linked to demographic transition, changing living conditions, improved healthcare services, changing dietary habits (related to neurocysticercosis (NCC)), increasing awareness, and better help-seeking behaviors.…”

Kejang Demam sebagai Faktor Predisposisi Epilepsi pada Anak

“…Risiko epilepsi pada saudara kandung penderita epilepsi primer kurang lebih 4%. 32 Jika orang tua dan salah satu anaknya samasama menderita epilepsi primer, maka anak yang lain berpotensi 10% terkena epilepsi. 32,33 4.…”

“…32 Jika orang tua dan salah satu anaknya samasama menderita epilepsi primer, maka anak yang lain berpotensi 10% terkena epilepsi. 32,33 4. Kejang demam sederhana (KDS) berulang 4 episode atau lebih dalam satu tahun.…”