DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF CHILDHOOD IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Recent increase in number of children diagnosed with epilepsy raised the need to find out and report the demographic and clinical features of childhood idiopathic epilepsy at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Cross sectional study conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020. Patients aged 1–14 years of either gender diagnosed as idiopathic epilepsy were included from paediatric outpatients, admitted cases and private clinics. Patients with cerebral palsy, dysmorphism and microcephaly were excluded. Demographic data, birth and developmental history details, age of onset of seizures, family history of epilepsy and febrile seizures were documented. Electroencephalograms (EEGs), brain imaging (CT scans and MRIs), where available. Data was analysed at SPSS-20. Results: For total 83 (65% males), Mean±SD of age was 6.60±3.64 years. Majority (63.9%) were older than 5 years. Family history of epilepsy and febrile convulsions was positive in 30.1% and 14.5% respectively. Most commonly used drug for seizure control was valproic acid (84.3% patients). Brain CT scan was done in 25.3%, MRI in 16.9% patients, and EEG in 57.8%. Positive family history of febrile seizures was significantly associated with (p<0.05) idiopathic epilepsy in males. Conclusions: Idiopathic epilepsy affects mostly children above 5 years of age. EEG is the most common investigation performed. When done brain imaging was normal. Valproic acid remains the most commonly used solo antiepileptic in both genders. Male patients are at higher risk of developing idiopathic epilepsy especially if family history of febrile seizures is present.