Neonatal seizures in the United States: results of the National Hospital Discharge Survey, 1980-1991

Abstract

We present nationally representative estimates of neonatal seizure risk by gender, race and geographic region of the United States. National Hospital Discharge Survey data were analyzed for the period 1980-1991. Birth-weight-adjusted risks of neonatal seizures were calculated by the direct method for each gender or race group and for each census region by 4-year intervals. The overall risk of neonatal seizures was 2.84 per 1,000 live births. Risk estimates were consistently higher in low-birth-weight infants (relative risk 3.9). Unadjusted risks were similar across race and gender groups; birth weight adjustment had very little effect. No clear temporal trend was apparent over the 12-year study period. National Hospital Discharge Survey data provide reasonable, although conservative, estimates of neonatal seizure risks nationwide. Underascertainment of neonatal seizures, particularly among sick low-birth-weight infants, is likely due to data collection limitations of the National Hospital Discharge Survey.