Developmental and emotional behavioural outcomes after COVID-19 febrile seizures: A single-centre experience

J J Ong1, X L Cheng2, M Chok2

  • 1Department of Paediatric, School of Medicine, IMU University, Malaysia. ongjunjean@imu.edu.my.

PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 febrile seizures in children did not lead to worse developmental or emotional outcomes compared to non-COVID-19 febrile seizures. This study assessed outcomes 9-18 months post-seizure, finding no increased risk for children infected with COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Febrile seizures typically have favorable long-term outcomes in children.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on febrile seizure outcomes remains unclear.
  • Investigating developmental and emotional/behavioral effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if COVID-19 infection influences the developmental and emotional/behavioral outcomes of children experiencing febrile seizures.
  • To compare outcomes between children with and without COVID-19 during febrile seizures.

Main Methods:

  • Study included families of children with febrile seizures from January to April 2022.
  • Children assessed 9-18 months post-seizure using the Schedule of Growing Skills II and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
  • COVID-19 positive cases defined by respiratory symptoms and positive rapid antigen test; comparisons made using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-two families participated: 15 COVID-19 positive, 7 non-COVID-19.
  • Developmental delays observed in 13.6-27.3% of children across both groups.
  • No increased likelihood of developmental delay or emotional/behavioral difficulties in children with COVID-19 febrile seizures.

Conclusions:

  • Children experiencing febrile seizures with COVID-19 infection are not at higher risk for developmental delay or emotional/behavioral issues.
  • Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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