DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Seizures are a common cause of pediatric hospitalizations, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The etiology of seizures in children varies globally, with limited data from resource-limited settings.
Objective: To determine the etiology, clinical types, and outcomes of seizures in children aged 6 months to 10 years admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, Pakistan.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 276 children admitted with seizures between August 2021 and February 2022 was conducted. Data included demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), and outcomes. Seizures were classified using the International League Against Epilepsy 1993 guidelines. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations, and results were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.
Results: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type (69.9%), followed by partial seizures (19.8%). Febrile seizures accounted for 30.5%, while neurocysticercosis represented 12%. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were present in 45.9% of cases, with neurocysticercosis being most prevalent. Mortality was 4.4%, primarily associated with CNS infections and status epilepticus (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Febrile seizures and CNS infections were the predominant causes of pediatric seizures. Improved preventive measures, diagnostics, and management are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.