Seizure recurrence and developmental disabilities after neonatal seizures: outcomes are unrelated to use of phenobarbital prophylaxis

J Child Neurol. 2007 Apr;22(4):389-95. doi: 10.1177/0883073807301917.

Abstract

This study investigated treatment patterns at discharge in infants with neonatal seizures and evaluated the impact of outpatient phenobarbital prophylaxis on the frequency of seizure recurrence and the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 to 11 years. Infants with neonatal seizures during a 12-year period were identified retrospectively (n = 146), and data were obtained by medical chart review. Outcomes were ascertained by standardized telephone survey. Thirty-three infants (23%) were taking phenobarbital, and 99 infants (68%) were taking no anticonvulsants at discharge. Comparisons were made between these 2 groups. Phenobarbital prophylaxis did not improve neurologic outcomes, either with respect to seizure recurrence or neurologic development. These data have important implications at a time when many are questioning the practice of prophylaxis after neonatal seizures and when newer anticonvulsants are being recommended for treatment of acute neonatal seizures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology
  • Developmental Disabilities / prevention & control*
  • Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal / complications
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Phenobarbital / therapeutic use*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seizures / epidemiology
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Phenobarbital