Evaluation of Patients Presenting With First Febrile Seizure

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology

Background:

• Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common convulsive event in childhood.
• Understanding risk factors and outcomes of FS is crucial for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patients presenting with their first febrile seizure.
• To identify risk factors associated with febrile seizures and their potential progression to epilepsy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 82 children aged 6-60 months presenting with their first febrile seizure.
• Data collected included patient demographics, fever focus, EEG findings, and family history.

Main Results:

• The average age of presentation was 21.05 months.
• Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common fever focus (39.1%).
• Epileptic abnormalities were found in 7.3% of EEGs, with 3 patients starting antiepileptic medication.

Conclusions:

• Key risk factors for febrile seizures include upper respiratory tract infection and family history of FS or epilepsy.
• Complex febrile seizures are identified as a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of epilepsy.