Assessing the prevalence distribution of abnormal laboratory tests in patients with simple febrile seizure

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Febrile seizures are common in pediatric practice, yet approaches vary, sometimes leading to unnecessary interventions.
• Controversies persist regarding the significance and optimal management of febrile seizures.
• This study addresses the diagnostic utility of routine laboratory tests in simple febrile seizures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and distribution of results from routinely requested laboratory tests in patients diagnosed with simple febrile seizure.
• To determine if extensive laboratory investigations are warranted in all cases of simple febrile seizure.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study analyzed data from 549 pediatric patients with simple febrile seizure.
• Routine laboratory tests included complete blood count, electrolytes, urinalysis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
• Data were collected from medical records and statistically analyzed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients were male (58.7%) and aged 12-24 months, with a mean temperature of 38.2°C.
• Over 96% of common blood tests (glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, creatinine, BUN) and urinalysis showed normal results.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, performed in 49 cases, revealed normal findings in all patients.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of abnormal laboratory test results in simple febrile seizures was not statistically significant.
• Routine performance of all listed laboratory tests in every patient with simple febrile seizure is not deemed necessary.
• Findings suggest a need to refine diagnostic protocols to avoid unnecessary testing in uncomplicated febrile seizures.