[Continuous oral phenobarbital or intermittent rectal diazepam for the prevention of febrile convulsions]
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Intermittent rectal diazepam is as effective as oral phenobarbital for preventing new febrile seizures in children. This longitudinal study compared two treatments for febrile seizure prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in children.
- Effective preventive treatments are crucial for managing recurrent febrile seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of intermittent rectal diazepam versus oral phenobarbital for preventing febrile seizures in children.
Main Methods:
- A randomized longitudinal study involving 100 children over 18 months.
- Intermittent rectal diazepam administered at 0.5 mg/kg every 8 hours during fever.
- Comparison with oral twice-daily phenobarbital therapy.
Main Results:
- Rectal diazepam demonstrated comparable efficacy to oral phenobarbital in preventing new febrile seizures.
- Both treatment strategies were effective in reducing seizure recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent rectal diazepam is a viable and effective alternative to oral phenobarbital for febrile seizure prevention.
- This finding supports the use of rectal diazepam in pediatric febrile seizure management.
Abstract:
During 18 months 100 children were submitted to a longitudinal study, in order to compare the efficacy of treatment with administration of intermittent rectal diazepam versus oral BID phenobarbital therapy, for prevention of febrile seizures. The group was divide in a randomized trial. Rectal diazepam was administered at dose os 0.5 mg/kg dose and the dose was repeated every eight hours during the period of fever. Diazepam was found to be as effective as oral phenobarbital in the prevention of new febrile seizures.