Evaluation of the Risk Factors for Recurrence in Patients With Febrile Seizures

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Clinical Pediatrics
• Epileptology

Background:

• Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common seizure disorder in childhood, affecting 2%-5% of children.
• While typically benign, a significant proportion of children experience recurrent febrile seizures.
• Identifying risk factors for recurrence is crucial for effective management and parental counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical risk factors associated with recurrent febrile seizures in children presenting with their first episode.
• To analyze demographic, clinical, and electroencephalographic findings in relation to FS recurrence.
• To evaluate factors predicting recurrence within a 3-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records of 150 children aged 6-23 months with a first febrile seizure.
• Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentation, examination findings, and EEG results.
• Evaluation of factors associated with seizure recurrence within 3 years.

Main Results:

• The study included 150 children (63 female, 87 male) with a mean age of 12.67 months.
• Complex febrile seizures occurred in 35.3% of cases.
• Recurrence was observed in 80% of patients, significantly associated with complex FS, family history of FS, family history of epilepsy, and a higher number of affected relatives.

Conclusions:

• Complex febrile seizures and a family history of epilepsy or febrile seizures are significant predictors of recurrence.
• Early identification of high-risk children enables targeted counseling and management strategies.
• Familial predisposition plays a key role in the recurrence of febrile seizures.