Background Hydrocephalus is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Developing epilepsy amongst this population further worsens the cognitive impairment and quality of life of these children. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with epilepsy among children with hydrocephalus at Cure Children’s Hospital of Uganda.

Method In a cross-sectional retrospective study, 278 charts were reviewed for patients aged less than 18 years with confirmed hydrocephalus attending Cure Children’s hospital. Demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Participants’ baseline characteristics were described using proportions for categorical variables, association between predictor and outcome variables were assessed using logistic regression. Analysis was done using STATA statistical software version 15.0.

Results Overall, 278 patients with hydrocephalus were included, 75 (27%) had documented epilepsy, 50.7% (38/75) had epilepsy diagnosed before surgery. Males were 64% (48/75), 88% (66/75) were infants under one year, 82.7% (62/75) had Post infectious hydrocephalus (PIH) and 60% (45/75) had a history of neonatal infection. Having more than one surgery, (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.82, 95%CI: 1.25-2.67, p=0.002), convulsions in the initial febrile illness, (aOR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.13-3.13, p=0.015), unknown family history of epilepsy (aOR= 1.64, 95%CI= 1.035- 2.60, p=0.035) were associated with epilepsy.

Conclusion Post infectious hydrocephalus remains the commonest cause of epilepsy. Prevention of early infections and multiple surgeries might help reduce the burden of epilepsy in this population.

Agatha Namutosi
Makerere college of health sciences
Uganda

Edith Mbabazi
Cure Children's Hospital of Uganda
Uganda

Deogratias Munube
Makerere University, College of Health Sciences
Uganda

Angelina Kakooza
Makerere University, College of Health Sciences
Uganda