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A prospective incidence study of febrile convulsions
L Forsgren1, R Sidenvall, H K Blomquist
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Insights
Febrile convulsions (FC) affect approximately 460 per 100,000 children aged 0-4 years annually. Boys experience FCs more frequently than girls, with recurrence observed in 18% of cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile convulsions (FC) are a common concern in pediatric neurology.
- Understanding the incidence and characteristics of FC is crucial for public health.
- Previous data on FC epidemiology in this region may be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine the incidence and epidemiological features of febrile convulsions in children.
- To analyze the recurrence rates and identify risk factors for complicated FC.
- To investigate the association between vaccination and FC occurrence.
Main Methods:
- A prospective epidemiological study was conducted over a 20-month period.
- 128 children diagnosed with febrile convulsions were identified and analyzed.
- Data collected included age, sex, incidence rates, recurrence, FC complications, and vaccination history.
Main Results:
- The annual incidence rate of FC in children aged 0-4 years was 460/100,000, with a cumulative incidence of 4.1%.
- FCs were more prevalent in boys (male to female ratio 1.72:1).
- Recurrence occurred in 18% of children within 20 months; 8.6% had complicated initial FCs. Four children experienced FCs post-vaccination (MMR).
Conclusions:
- Febrile convulsions represent a significant pediatric health issue with specific demographic patterns.
- A notable proportion of children experience recurrent FCs, and a small percentage have complicated initial episodes.
- The study observed a temporal association between combined measles, rubella, and mumps vaccination and FCs in a few children, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
A prospective epidemiological study of febrile convulsions (FC) was performed during a 20-month period. 128 children with FCs were identified. The annual first attendance rate and annual incidence rate were 500/100,000 and 460/100,000 respectively, in the age group 0-4 years. The cumulative incidence was 4.1%. FCs were more common among boys, with a male to female ratio of 1.72 to 1. The median and mean age for first FC was for boys 16 and 19.9 months respectively, and for girls 18 and 19.7 months respectively. During an average follow-up period of 20 months, 18% had another FC and 10% had two or more FCs. 8.6% had an initial complicated FC. Four children had FCs within two weeks after being vaccinated by combined vaccine against morbilli, rubella and parotitis. Three of these had earlier had an FC.