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Published on: June 21, 2019
[Retrospective study of 160 children with febrile convulsions]
1Kinderspital, Landeskrankenanstalten Salzburg.
Insights
Febrile seizures in children often occur around two years of age, influenced by decreasing maternal antibodies. A family history or recurrent seizures indicate an earlier onset of febrile convulsions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in young children.
- The timing and risk factors for febrile seizures require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age of first-time febrile convulsions in children.
- To investigate the influence of family history and seizure recurrence on the incidence of febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 411 children with cerebral convulsions over 4 years.
- Identification and analysis of 160 patients diagnosed with febrile seizures.
- Statistical comparison of seizure onset age based on family history and recurrence.
Main Results:
- Febrile convulsions typically occur in the second year of life, peaking around 22.9 months.
- Children with a family history of febrile seizures experienced their first seizure earlier, averaging 14.5 months.
- Recurrent febrile seizures also showed an earlier onset (18.2 months), with both factors being statistically significant or nearly significant.
Conclusions:
- The age-dependent incidence of febrile seizures may be linked to waning maternal antibody levels.
- Family history and prior seizure recurrence are significant indicators of an earlier onset of febrile convulsions.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic and personal history in managing febrile seizures.
Abstract:
In a retrospective study of 411 children with cerebral convulsions over a period of 4 years, 160 patients with febrile seizures were found. This group consisted of 94 boys and 66 girls. The main purpose of this study was to establish the age of the first convulsive fit in each child. Febrile convulsions started in the first half year, increased in the second half year and culminated in the second year of life. This age dependent appearance was explained with passive immunization by maternal antibodies so that febrile convulsions appear when these antibodies decrease. The first occurrence of febrile convulsions appeared on an average of 22.9 months, in children with recurrent febrile convulsions a little earlier with 18.2 months. The most interesting fact was that children with a family history of febrile seizures showed an even earlier occurrence of the first seizure with 14.5 months. This tendency of early incidence of febrile convulsion in the group with family history and in the group of recurrent febrile convulsions could be shown as statistically significant respectively nearly significant in comparing with the group of retarded patients. A peculiar tendency for febrile convulsions seems to be documented by recurrent seizures in the patient himself, but also by a history of febrile convulsions in other family members. Both facts may lead to a very early incidence of febrile convulsions.
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