Low birth weight as a risk factor for seizure following acute subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors associated with posttraumatic seizure in patients under 2 years old with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH).

METHODS

Twenty-one patients under 2 years old (15 males and six females) with ASDH, who were admitted to our hospital between January 2002 and September 2008, were studied retrospectively. Clinical findings including birth weight and gestational age were defined. A head computed tomography scan was conducted at admission. Outcome at time of discharge was assessed using the score.

RESULTS

Seizures occurred in eight patients (38%). Recurrent seizures occurred in three of eight patients (38%). In patients with seizures, birth weight, gestational age, and birth weight ratio were significantly lower than for those without seizure (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Special attention should be paid to infants with ASDH who have a history of low birth weight, low gestational age, and low birth weight ratio because risk for posttraumatic seizure is considered higher in these infants than in other infants.