Neonatal Seizures: Epidemiological, Diagnostic Aspects and Short-Term Outcome at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are one of the most challenging situations for paediatricians. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects and short-term outcomes of neonatal seizures at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study from November 2020 to April 2021 in the neonatology department of Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital. All newborns aged 0 to 28 days hospitalized for seizures and/or having convulsions during hospitalization were included. Neonatal characteristics, diagnostic aspects, and their outcomes were studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Of the 3.068 newborns admitted, 69 cases of neonatal seizures were recorded (2.24%). The sex ratio was 1.22, and 94.2% of neonates were born at term. Generalized crises were found in 50.7%. The main etiologies were perinatal asphyxia (46.4%) and early-onset neonatal infection (40.6%). The death rate was 20.3%. Neonates died between one (1) and three (3) days of age in 42.9%. The main death causes were perinatal asphyxia (50%) and early-onset neonatal infection (21.4%). Conclusion: Neonatal seizures are uncommon frequent, with a semiology dominated by generalized seizures. Mortality is high. The reinforcement of preventive measures is necessary.