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Role of phenobarbitone in preventing recurrence of febrile convulsions
N Thilothammal1, Kannan, P V Krishnamurthy
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, Egmore, Madras.
Insights
Phenobarbitone significantly reduced febrile convulsion recurrences in children. This study shows phenobarbitone (PB) is effective for preventing simple and atypical febrile convulsions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Febrile convulsions are common in children aged 6 months to 6 years.
- Preventing recurrence of febrile convulsions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of phenobarbitone (PB) in preventing recurrent febrile convulsions.
- To compare phenobarbitone with placebo in children with simple febrile convulsions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- 30 children per group: phenobarbitone for simple febrile convulsions, placebo for simple febrile convulsions, phenobarbitone for atypical febrile convulsions.
- 12-month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Phenobarbitone reduced recurrence to 7% compared to 53% with placebo in simple febrile convulsions.
- Intolerable side effects of phenobarbitone were observed in 5% of children.
- Phenobarbitone demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing recurrences.
Conclusions:
- Long-term prophylaxis with phenobarbitone is effective for both simple and atypical febrile convulsions.
- Phenobarbitone offers a beneficial prophylactic option for children experiencing febrile convulsions.
Abstract:
A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial was carried out to study the effect of phenobarbitone (PB) in preventing recurrences of simple and atypical febrile convulsions among children in the age group 6 months to 6 years. Children with simple febrile convulsions were randomly allocated to receive either phenobarbitone or placebo. Children with atypical convulsions were treated with phenobarbitone, as a third group. Thirty children were admitted in each group. All the children were followed up for a period of twelve months. Recurrence of convulsions and side effects of PB were recorded. Recurrence occurred in only 7% (95% confidence interval: 1-22) of children on Phenobarbitone, suffering from either simple or atypical febrile convulsions, compared to 53% (95% confidence interval: 34-72) of children on placebo, suffering from simple febrile convulsions. With Phenobarbitone, 5% of children had intolerable side effects. These results suggest that long term prophylaxis with phenobarbitone, even in simple febrile convulsions will be useful.