Febrile seizures: Factors affecting risk of recurrence

Abstract

To evaluate the risk factors for recurrence in febrile seizures, a prospective study was conducted in children with first time febrile seizures. Factors recorded include 1) family history of febrile seizures, 2) family history of epilepsy, 3) type of febrile seizures (focal or generalized), 4) developmental status and neurological examination of the patient 5) patients' age and temperature. For each patient an electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded within 2 weeks of seizures and EEGs having epileptiform waves were considered abnormal. Patients were followed from March 2003 until February 2005 for seizure recurrence. Of 98 children included in the study, 68 (60.4%) were boys and 38 (39.4%) girls. Sixty patients were in the age group of 1–3 years (62.5%) and 80 in age group of 6 months – 3 years (83.3%). Recurrence of febrile seizures was seen in 34 cases (35.4%). Recurrence rate in children less than 12 months of age was 45%, in children aged 1–3 years it was 28% and in children older than 3 years 25%. There was a significant correlation between age less than 12 months and recurrence of febrile seizures (P < 0.05). In patients with a positive family history, recurrence rate was 38.9% and in those with negative family history it was 22% (P < 0.05). Abnormal EEG was seen in 16% of girls and 34% boys. In conclusion, recurrence of febrile seizures is more frequent during the first year after initial seizure, with age less than 12 months and in patients with a positive family history for febrile seizures.

Keywords

Febrile seizures - predictors of recurrence - electroencephalography