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Frequency of fever episodes related to febrile seizure recurrence
M van Stuijvenberg1, N E Jansen, E W Steyerberg
1Department of Paediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
The number of fever episodes is a significant risk factor for febrile seizure recurrence in children. Each fever episode increases the risk by 1.8 times within six months post-seizure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in young children.
- Understanding recurrence risk factors is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the number of fever episodes as a predictor of febrile seizure recurrence.
- To assess recurrence risk within the first six months after a febrile seizure.
Main Methods:
- Prospective 6-month follow-up of 155 children (3 months to 5 years).
- Documented fever episodes and febrile seizure recurrences.
- Logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- 260 fever episodes and 29 recurrences were recorded.
- Number of fever episodes (OR=1.8) and age at entry (OR=0.6) were associated with recurrence.
- Only the number of fever episodes remained significant in multivariable analysis.
Conclusions:
- The number of fever episodes is a significant independent risk factor for febrile seizure recurrence.
- Each fever episode increases recurrence risk by 1.8-fold within six months.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the number of fever episodes as a risk factor for febrile seizure recurrence during the first 6 months after the last previous febrile seizure. In a 6-month follow-up study of 155 children, aged 3 months to 5 y, with a first or a recurrent febrile seizure, the occurrence of fever episodes and febrile seizure recurrences was prospectively documented. Using logistic regression analysis the association between the baseline characteristics and the number of fever episodes and the outcome, a febrile seizure recurrence, was studied. In total, 260 fever episodes were registered; 29 children experienced 1 or more febrile seizure recurrence during follow-up. Two factors were associated with febrile seizure recurrence: the number of fever episodes [odds ratio (OR)= 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-2.4)] and age at study entry (OR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-1.1). In a multivariable model, only the number of fever episodes remained significant. In conclusion, the number of fever episodes increases the risk of a febrile seizure recurrence with a factor of 1.8 per fever episode in the first 6 months after a febrile seizure.