Objectives (1) To determine the value of a set of independent risk factors for adverse neurologic outcomes at the onset of neonatal seizures. (2) To design an evidence-based scoring system that could assist in predicting outcomes at the onset of neonatal seizures. Methods. A total of 77 preterm and term neonates with seizures, who had been followed up at Ege University Children’s Hospital NICU in 2013-2017, were included the study. A neurodevelopmental outcome was determined by a developmental screening test at the postconceptional 12th month. We performed a statistical analysis to identify variables associated with adverse outcomes and to develop a scoring system that could provide early prognostic indications. Results: An adverse neurologic outcome was defined in 45.9% (40/77) of infants. Five variables were identified as the most significant independent risk factors for setting up a scoring system for the adverse outcome (p<0.01): gestational age, birth weight, etiology, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography grade. Each variable was scored from 0 to 4 to represent the range from "normal" to "severely abnormal." The total score was calculated by adding the scores of the five variables. This score ranged from 0 to 16. A cut-off score of 10.5 provided the greatest predictive values for the adverse outcome (The area under curve:72.2, figure1): sensitivity;84.6%, specificity;52.5%, PPV:63.4%, NPV:77.7%. Conclusion The presented scoring system is an easy and reliable new tool for overall neurological outcomes in newborns with neonatal seizures.
Keywords: Neonatal seizure, neurodevelopmental outcome, Neonatal seizure scoring model

Seda Kanmaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Demet Terek
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Ozge Altun Koroglu
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Sanem Yılmaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Mehmet Yalaz
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Mete Akisu
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey

Hasan Tekgul
Ege University Medical Faculty
Turkey