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Which child will have a febrile seizure?
P Bethune1, K Gordon, J Dooley
1Izaak Walton Killam Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Family history of seizures, later neonatal discharge, developmental delays, and daycare attendance are key risk factors for a child's first febrile seizure. Identifying these can help predict and potentially prevent future occurrences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in young children, affecting approximately 4% of the population.
- Identifying predictive risk factors for a first febrile seizure is crucial for early intervention and parental guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific risk factors that predict the occurrence of a first febrile seizure in children aged 6 months to 4 years.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving 75 children with a first febrile seizure.
- Age-matched controls (febrile and afebrile) were recruited from a pediatric emergency department.
- Data on family history, neurodevelopmental status, and childcare arrangements were collected via parental interviews.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors included a family history of febrile seizures (OR 4.5 for first-degree relatives, OR 3.5 for second-degree relatives).
- Other identified risks were later neonatal discharge (OR 5.6), parental report of "slow" development (OR 4.9), and day-care attendance (OR 3.1).
- Children with two risk factors have an estimated 28% risk of developing febrile seizures.
Conclusions:
- Family history of seizures, neonatal discharge timing, developmental pace, and day-care attendance are significant predictors of first febrile seizures.
- These findings can aid clinicians in identifying high-risk children and informing parents about potential risks.