The Causes of Seizure in Burned Children Hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital of Mashad During 1996 to 2003

Introduction: Burning is one of the main accidents in pediatric medical emergency, which is commonly associated with metabolic, infectious and neurologic complications. The seizure is one of the most important complications in burned patients. This study was done to determine the causes of seizure in burned children hospitalized in Imam Reza.

Materials and Methods: This survey was a descriptive study based on available data in which 2212 burned children under 15 years old were selected and studied during 1996 to 2003.

Results: 365 patients had seizure attacks of which 86% had happened during the first 48h of admission. Most of the attacks occurred in children younger than 3 years old. Hyponatremia was the most frequent cause of seizure followed by history of previous seizure, febrile seizure, meningitis, head injury, unknown causes, hypoglycemia and hypocalcaemia.

Conclusion: It seems that seizure has significant frequency in burned children and it is preventable with respect to predisposing factors. We recommend that hyponatremia is the most important and frequent cause of seizure’ which should be prevented carefully.