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Intermittent oral diazepam prophylaxis in febrile convulsions: its effectiveness for febrile seizure recurrence

Alberto Verrotti1, Giuseppe Latini, Giovanna di Corcia

  • 1Section of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Chieti-Ospedale Policlinico, Via dei Vestini 5, Chieti 66013, Italy. averrott@unich.it

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|May 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Diazepam prophylaxis effectively reduces the recurrence of febrile seizures (FS) in children. This study found significantly fewer FS episodes in children receiving diazepam compared to those without prophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Febrile seizures (FS) are common in children, with a risk of recurrence.
  • Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of oral diazepam in reducing the recurrence of febrile seizures in children.
  • To compare recurrence rates between children receiving diazepam prophylaxis and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving two groups of children: Group A (n=45) received oral diazepam prophylaxis, and Group B (n=65) received no prophylaxis.
  • All children were followed for at least 4 years and re-evaluated.
  • Recurrence of febrile seizures was monitored in both groups.

Main Results:

  • Recurrent febrile seizures occurred in 11.1% of children in Group A (diazepam group).
  • Recurrent febrile seizures occurred in 30.7% of children in Group B (no prophylaxis group).
  • A statistically significant reduction in FS recurrence was observed with diazepam prophylaxis.

Conclusions:

  • Oral diazepam, administered during fever, is an effective intervention for reducing the risk of recurrent febrile seizures.
  • Diazepam prophylaxis can significantly lower the likelihood of subsequent febrile seizure episodes in susceptible children.

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