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Febrile convulsions in a Serbian region: a 10-year epidemiological study
M V Pavlovic1, M S Jarebinski, T D Pekmezovic
1Department of Paediatrics, Medical Centre of Krusevac, Serbia, Yugoslavia.
European Journal of Neurology
|April 21, 1999
Summary
Febrile convulsions in Serbian children aged 6 months to 5 years show an increasing incidence trend. Recurrence occurred in 17.5% of cases, with 4.5% developing epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile convulsions are common in childhood.
- Limited population-based data exists for Serbia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and epidemiological features of febrile convulsions in central Serbia.
- To assess the recurrence rate and risk of epilepsy following febrile convulsions.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study conducted from 1986-1995 in central Serbia.
- Inclusion criteria: children aged 6 months to 5 years with first febrile convulsions.
- Follow-up of 154 children for 5 years to assess recurrence and epilepsy development.
Main Results:
- 570 cases of first febrile convulsions recorded over 10 years.
- Average annual incidence rate of 3/1000 children.
- A significant increasing linear trend in incidence was observed.
- Recurrence rate was 17.5%; 6.5% experienced afebrile seizures, and 4.5% developed epilepsy.
Conclusions:
- Febrile convulsions incidence is increasing in the studied Serbian population.
- A notable percentage of children experience recurrence, with a significant risk of developing epilepsy.