TRANSCRANIAL SONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF PRETERM NEONATES PRESENTING WITH SEIZURES AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH INTRACRANIAL ABNORMALITIES

Bibi Naseem; Fehmida Ansari; Maria Hameed

doi:10.71146/kjmr543

Authors

Bibi Naseem Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan Author
Fehmida Ansari Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan Author
Maria Hameed Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr543

Keywords:

Preterm neonates, transcranial ultrasound, intracranial hemorrhage, ventriculomegaly, neonatal seizures

Abstract

Background:
Seizures in preterm neonates are critical indicators of neurological dysfunction, often linked to underlying intracranial abnormalities. Due to immature cerebral autoregulation, preterm infants are at increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic injuries. Transcranial sonography (TCS) offers a non-invasive, bedside imaging modality for early detection of these pathologies.

Objective:
To evaluate the association of intracranial abnormalities in preterm neonates presenting with seizures through transcranial sonography.

Methodology:
This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. A total of 122 preterm neonates (63 males, 59 females) presenting with seizures were recruited between March and November 2021. Participants were categorized into three gestational age-based preterm classes. All underwent cranial ultrasound via anterior fontanelle using high-frequency probes. Data were analyzed for sonographic findings and their correlation with preterm classifications.

Results:
Abnormal cranial findings were observed in 42 (34.4%) neonates. The most prevalent abnormalities included ventriculomegaly (15.6%) and intracranial hemorrhage (14.8%). Other findings were periventricular echogenicity (7.4%), echogenic sulci (4.9%), cerebral edema (2.5%), congenital anomalies (2.5%), choroidal cysts (1.6%), and corpus callosum agenesis (0.8%). Class I preterm neonates showed higher frequency of hemorrhage (19.7%), while ventriculomegaly was more frequent in Classes II and III.