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Occult pneumococcal bacteraemia and febrile convulsions
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|January 15, 1983
Summary
Occult pneumococcal bacteraemia in children, often presenting as febrile convulsions, was identified in the UK. Early detection and prospective studies are crucial for understanding this condition and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia occurs in children.
- Occult pneumococcal bacteraemia, where the infection source is unknown, is a recognized entity in the USA.
- This condition has not been widely reported in the United Kingdom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of occult pneumococcal bacteraemia in children in the UK.
- To investigate the association between occult pneumococcal bacteraemia and febrile convulsions.
- To highlight the need for further research into this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records over two years.
- Identification of children with bacteraemia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine children had Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia.
- Fifteen previously healthy children had occult bacteraemia, often unsuspected clinically.
- In young children, occult pneumococcal bacteraemia was frequently associated with febrile convulsions.
Conclusions:
- Occult pneumococcal bacteraemia may be an under-recognized cause of febrile convulsions in children.
- Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the incidence, complications, and optimal management.
- This condition warrants increased clinical suspicion, especially in young children presenting with febrile seizures.