Risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of perinatal stroke in a Tertiary University Hospital.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with perinatal stroke, as well as to assess the risk of epilepsy, seizure control, and cognitive function in children with perinatal stroke.

METHODS

Data from 32 patients diagnosed with perinatal stroke between October 2007 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 32 patients, 27 were born after normal pregnancies, and 20 (62.5%) had consanguineous parents. Family histories of stroke, haematological disease, and epilepsy were noted in 3.13%, 3.13%, and 21.88%, respectively. Initial symptoms included hemiparesis (56.25%), seizures (37.5%), respiratory distress (3.13%), and tiptoe walking (3.13%). Epilepsy was diagnosed in 22 patients, with 72.72% achieving seizure control. Among 12 patients who underwent IQ testing, 15.63% had borderline impairment, 9.37% average IQ, 3.13% below-average IQ, and 6.26% moderate-to-severe impairment.

CONCLUSION

Hemiparesis was the most frequent presenting symptom, followed by seizures. Many patients developed epilepsy, with most achieving satisfactory seizure control. IQ testing revealed varying degrees of cognitive impairment, highlighting the complex neurodevelopmental effects of perinatal stroke.