[New aspects in prevention of febrile convulsions]

In general, febrile convulsions have a good prognosis. The risk of death or neurologic and mental handicap is low. Though the risk of epilepsy is increased, there is no evidence that anticonvulsant treatment can prevent occurrence of later epilepsy. The aim of anticonvulsive prophylaxis is reduction of the rate of recurrences of febrile convulsions. Recent results point against the assumption that these can be prevented by long-term anticonvulsive treatment with phenobarbital or valproate. An alternative for longterm prophylaxis is intermittent short-term rectal application of diazepam suggested for children with a hightened risk of recurrences. Long-term prophylaxis with phenobarbital should only be considered in a small number of selective children.