PRENATAL RISK FACTORS AND THE MANIFESTATIONS OF OF BREATH HOLDING SPELLS IN CHILDREN OF EARLY AGE

Respiratory affective convulsions are the most common paroxysmal nonepileptic conditions. Etiological factors involved in the development of respiratory affective seizures are not established by now. The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns of risk factors contributing to the development of breath holding spells. Data related to the ante-, peri- and postnatal periods of 50 children with breath holding spells were collected and analyzed. Also explored was the role of genetic predisposition in the development of these seizures. Laboratory tests were carried out. Anamnestic data and laboratory studies suggest that an adverse perinatal background is the main factor of the development of respiratory affective episodes. Hypocalcemia and iron deficiency anemia probably contribute to more severe attacks.

breath holding spells, perinatal background, hypocalcemia, anemia, early childhood