Seizure in HIV-infected patients: clinical presentation, cause and treatment outcome in Ethiopia—a retrospective study

Abstract Background The estimated number of adult patients living with HIV infection in Ethiopia 2012 was approximately 800,000. Seizure occurs 2 to 3% and 6.1% 34.3% neurological complications infection, respectively. Studies on seizure are rare Ethiopia. purpose this study assess clinical presentation, cause treatment outcome presented seizure. Methods In retrospective study, aged ≥ 13 years were included. Medical records reviewed demographic data collected. Results Records 146 analysed. Males 55.5% the mean age 34 years. diagnosis made after current hospital admission 69% patients. Almost all (98.6%) had stage 4 very low CD4 count (mean = 77/mm 3 ). almost a recent onset at admission; either it started (42.5%) or within months prior (52.5%). types seizures were: generalized tonic–clonic [GTCS] (69.2%), focal motor secondarily generalization [FMWSG] (19.9%) simple (11%). common causes cerebral toxoplasmosis (46%), tuberculous meningitis (35.6%) cryptococcal (13.7%). Case-fatality 53% predictors mortality admission, change mentation comatose initial evaluation. Conclusions Most which GTCS commonest type most central nervous system opportunistic infections. case-fatality high sensorium an independent predictor mortality. To prevent morbidity prevention early treatment, improving diagnostic facilities access non-enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs recommended.