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Primary immunisation and febrile convulsions in Oxford 1972-5
British Medical Journal
|August 20, 1977
Summary
A study found a 3% risk of febrile convulsions in children by age five. While most common between 6-27 months, the risk from primary immunizations was likely coincidental, not causal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Febrile convulsions are common in young children.
- Understanding risk factors, including immunizations, is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have suggested potential links between vaccines and febrile seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of febrile convulsions in children up to age five.
- To investigate the association between primary immunizations and febrile convulsions.
- To estimate the potential causal relationship between specific vaccines and febrile convulsions.
Main Methods:
- A three-year prospective study in Oxford.
- Comprehensive data collection from general practice and hospitals.
- Case-control analysis comparing children with and without febrile convulsions, matched for age and sex.
Main Results:
- Overall risk of febrile convulsions by age five was 3%.
- Peak risk observed between 6 and 27 months of age.
- Prolonged convulsions most frequent in 9-15 month olds.
- Association with immunizations in the preceding 28 days was deemed a chance relationship with age.
- Estimated causal rates for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and measles vaccines were low.
Conclusions:
- Febrile convulsions have a notable incidence in early childhood.
- The study found no specific causal link between primary immunizations and febrile convulsions.
- Observed associations are likely coincidental and related to the child's age at vaccination.