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Recurrent seizures in children with Shigella-associated convulsions
E Lahat1, Y Katz, T Bistritzer
1Pediatric Division, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Insights
Shigella-associated convulsions in children rarely lead to future seizures. This study found no increased risk of subsequent febrile or nonfebrile seizures after these specific convulsion events.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in childhood.
- Shigella infections can precipitate seizures in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term risk of subsequent seizures after Shigella-associated convulsions.
- To differentiate the natural history of Shigella-associated convulsions from typical febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 55 children with Shigella-associated convulsions.
- Observation period ranged from 6.9 to 14.1 years.
- Recording of subsequent febrile and nonfebrile seizures.
Main Results:
- Only 2 cases (3%) of subsequent febrile seizures were observed.
- No cases of subsequent nonfebrile seizures occurred.
- The incidence of further seizures was very low.
Conclusions:
- Shigella-associated convulsions have a different natural history than typical febrile seizures.
- These convulsions do not appear to increase the risk of future febrile or nonfebrile seizures.
- Distinct clinical features suggest different underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
Fifty-five children with Shigella-associated convulsions were followed prospectively to investigate their risk of subsequent febrile or nonfebrile seizures. The duration of the follow-up period was between 6.9 and 14.1 years (9.7 +/- 3.1 years). No case of nonfebrile seizures and only 2 cases (3%) of subsequent febrile seizures were observed during this period. We conclude that although febrile and Shigella-associated convulsions share many clinical features, the natural history of these two conditions seems to be distinctly different. Shigella-related convulsions are not associated with an increased incidence of subsequent febrile or nonfebrile convulsions.