Neonatal Seizures: An Overview of Genetic Causes and Treatment Options

Seizures are the most frequent neurological clinical symptoms of the central nervous system (CNS) during the neonatal period. Neonatal seizures may be ascribed to an acute event or symptomatic conditions determined by genetic, metabolic or structural causes, outlining the so-called ‘Neonatal Epileps...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Giulia Spoto, Maria Concetta Saia, Greta Amore, Eloisa Gitto, Giuseppe Loddo, Greta Mainieri, Antonio Gennaro Nicotera, Gabriella Di Rosa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
Series:Brain Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/10/1295
Description
Summary:Seizures are the most frequent neurological clinical symptoms of the central nervous system (CNS) during the neonatal period. Neonatal seizures may be ascribed to an acute event or symptomatic conditions determined by genetic, metabolic or structural causes, outlining the so-called ‘Neonatal Epilepsies’. To date, three main groups of neonatal epilepsies are recognised during the neonatal period: benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE), early myoclonic encephalopathy (EME) and ‘Ohtahara syndrome’ (OS). Recent advances showed the role of several genes in the pathogenesis of these conditions, such as <i>KCNQ2</i>, <i>KCNQ3</i>, <i>ARX</i>, <i>STXBP1</i>, <i>SLC25A22</i>, <i>CDKL5</i>, <i>KCNT1</i>, <i>SCN2A</i> and <i>SCN8A</i>. Herein, we reviewed the current knowledge regarding the pathogenic variants most frequently associated with neonatal seizures, which should be considered when approaching newborns affected by these disorders. In addition, we considered the new possible therapeutic strategies reported in these conditions.
ISSN:2076-3425