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Viral infections and recurrences of febrile convulsions
Abstract:
To determine whether complicated febrile seizures occur more often in children with a proven viral infection, we performed viral examinations on 144 children with febrile convulsions, of whom 112 had simple and 32 had complicated seizures. A diagnosis of virus infection was verified in 46% of the former patients and 53% of the latter. Three adenoviruses, one parainfluenza virus type 2 and one type 3, one respiratory syncytial virus, one echovirus type 11, one herpes simplex virus type 2, and one influenza B virus were isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid. A simple febrile convulsion occurred in seven children with a positive cerebrospinal fluid viral isolation, and two had a complex febrile seizure. In a follow-up of 2 to 4 years (mean 3.3 years), 21 of the 107 children with simple seizures (19.6%) and 3 of the 32 children with complicated seizures (9.4%) had recurrent febrile seizures. The children with positive evidence for a viral infection, even with a virus isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid, had no more recurrences than those without any proven viral infection. We conclude that children with a proven viral infection have no worse prognosis than those without.
Insights
Proven viral infections do not increase the risk of complicated febrile seizures in children. Viral examinations confirmed infections in many children, but prognosis remained similar regardless of viral presence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in children.
- The role of viral infections in complicated febrile seizures is not fully understood.
- Viral infections are frequently suspected in febrile convulsions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between viral infections and complicated febrile seizures.
- To determine if viral infections impact the recurrence rate of febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- Viral examinations were conducted on 144 children with febrile convulsions.
- Patients were categorized into simple (112) and complicated (32) seizure groups.
- Cerebrospinal fluid viral isolation was performed.
- Follow-up assessments for seizure recurrence were conducted over 2-4 years.
Main Results:
- Viral infection was diagnosed in 46% of simple and 53% of complicated seizure cases.
- Specific viruses were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid in a subset of patients.
- Recurrent febrile seizures occurred in 19.6% of simple and 9.4% of complicated seizure groups.
- No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between children with and without proven viral infections.
Conclusions:
- Proven viral infections do not appear to increase the frequency or recurrence of febrile seizures.
- The presence of a virus, even in cerebrospinal fluid, does not indicate a worse prognosis for febrile seizures.