A survey on febrile seizures at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate demographic, clinical and management aspects of febrile convulsions. Method A prospective study was carried out on all children admitted to Lady Ridgeway Hospital with a diagnosis of febrile convulsions during June and July 2002. Children with a history of afebrile seizures and those with evidence of a neurodevelopmental deficit or central nervous system infection were excluded. Data was obtained from medical records and direct interview of parents/guardians of children with febrile convulsions using a pre-tested validated questionnaire. Results 330 children were admitted with febrile convulsions. Male to female ratio was 3:2. The mean age was 22 months. Approximately 25% had a history of febrile convulsions in first degree relatives. 25% had complex febrile seizures. 80% of seizures occurred within 24 hours of the onset of fever. 24 (7%) children received long term prophylaxis for recurring febrile convulsions. Upper respiratory tract infection was the commonest trigger factor. 48% of the parents/guardians did not have a satisfactory knowledge of first aid.