EVALUATION THE FREQUENCY OF HYPOXIC–ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY IN HOSPITALIZED NEONATES

Background and Objective Neonatal seizures may have different causes with clear background and clinical manifestations. Seizure due to hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy usually occurs within 12–24 hours after a history of asphyxia and may be linked with metabolic common causes of seizure in preterm neonates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy in hospitalized neonates. Methods This cross-sectional study implemented a two year evaluation of 1295 neonates admitted into the neonatal ward of Ekbatan hospital in Hamedan province of Iran for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. Data such as CT scan findings, blood gas findings, Apgar score of 5th minute, decreased muscle tone and consciousness, seizure, age, sex, birth weights, serum calcium, glucose and sodium, were entered into the questionnaires and data analyzed using SPSS 13. Results 34 patients (2.62%) out of 1295 evaluated neonates had a seizure. From 34 neonates with neonatal seizure, 11 (32.4%) had hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. The mean age was 14.03±10.05 days (1–29 days). 25 (73.5%) neonates were boys and 9 neonates (26.5%) were girls. Conclusion According to the results of our study, The incidence rate of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy in hospitalized neonates was 32.4%.