A term newborn develops multifocal clonic seizures on day 2 of life. There is a history of fetal distress and Apgar scores of 3 and 5 at 1 and 5 minutes. Blood glucose and serum calcium are normal. What is the most likely etiology?

• A Neonatal meningitis
• B Intraventricular hemorrhage
• C Inborn error of metabolism
• D Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy ✓

Explanation

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the most common cause of neonatal seizures in term infants, especially with a history of perinatal asphyxia and low Apgar scores. Intraventricular hemorrhage is more common in preterm infants. Meningitis and metabolic causes are possible but less likely than HIE in this clinical context with confirmed asphyxia.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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