Prevalence of seizures in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

J Child Neurol. 2013 Mar;28(3):297-302. doi: 10.1177/0883073812446161. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Abstract

A retrospective study of 354 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients identified a subgroup of 27 children with seizures (7.6%, 95% confidence interval: 5.1%-10.9%). Of the total group, 13% (n = 46) had identifiable neurologic deficits and 30% (n = 107) had developmental delay. Both observations were significantly more frequent in the subgroup of patients with seizures (P < .001). The median age of patients with seizures was 20 months (range, 8-87 months) and the median baseline CD4 percentage was 13.5% (interquartile range, 8%-23%). Seizures were treated with sodium valproate (n = 11), phenobarbital (n = 3), diazepam (n = 2), lamotrigine (n = 1), and carbamazepine (n = 1). Combination therapy was required for 5 children. Suboptimal valproic acid levels were recorded for 3 patients. When resources are available, antiepileptic drug level monitoring is advised for children who require both antiepileptic and antiretroviral medications to facilitate optimal seizure management.

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenobarbital / therapeutic use
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / epidemiology*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine
  • Valproic Acid
  • Phenobarbital