Recurrencia de crisis febriles en una población chilena

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the clinical presentation and risk factors for recurrence of first febrile seizure (FS) in patients at Pediatric Emergency Department or Neurology Units at Clinical Hospital Universidad Católica (UC) and Hospital Herminda Martin from Chillán (HM). Method: Descriptive-observational study of children with age average of 2.9 years-old, with first febrile seizure between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005. Results: Total 158 patients; 76% presented a simple FS and 24% a complex FS as first episode, only 1 case with febrile epileptic status. In 22% and 18% respectively, there was a FS history and epilepsy in first degree relatives. 34% of patients presented a second episode; 36% of these cases present a third FS and 9% more than 3 episodes. The average time of recurrence was 6.9 months. The most important risk factors for recurrence were: epilepsy history in first degree relatives and type of febrile seizure, with hazard ratio of 2.5 (p = 0.001) and 1,8 (p = 0.03) respectively. When fitting both variables, only family history of epilepsy was significant. Conclusions: Most of FS episodes are simple and 34% present recurrence. Family history of epilepsy and type of febrile seizure are associated recurrence risk factors. The follow-up of these patients does not predict their future risk of epilepsy.