Case studyCerebral oxygenation during subclinical seizures in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

Treatment of subclinical seizures in newborn HIE remains a contentious issue, especially in light of potential adverse effects of aggressive use of anticonvulsants. We report on the association of subclinical seizures with changes in cerebral oxygenation in an infant with HIE. Our results show that subclinical seizures of longer durations and with associated autonomic disturbance (increased blood pressure) are more likely to be associated with fluctuation in cerebral oxygenation, with some seizures resulting in cerebral hypoxia. Future studies should aim to delineate the effects of subclinical seizure and anticonvulsant treatment on cerebral oxygenation, and their relationships to developmental outcome. Level of cerebral oxygenation may play a role in refining anti-convulsant treatment and management of subclinical seizures in newborns.