A prospective study of single versus recurrent episodes of typical febrile seizure among children attending a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Recurrence in the febrile seizures is a significant problem after the seizure episode, and there is up to 30% chance of recurrence after the first episode and 50% chance after 2 or more episodes. Objective: The objective of the study is to do a comparative study of sociodemographic and hematologic profile of children aged 6 months–60 months admitted with single and recurrent episodes of typical febrile seizures. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care setting for a period of 2 and a ½ years. History, physical examination and hematologic investigations such as hemoglobin estimation, blood indices, and blood picture were done in all the study participants. Frequency of recurrence after the first episode cases was noted at 1 year after the seizure episode. Results: Of 121 total cases, 53.7% were of first, and 46.3% were of recurrent episodes of typical febrile seizure. Statistically, significant difference was noted in the age (p<0.001) and gender distribution (p<0.001). Statistically significant difference was noted between two groups regarding family history of seizure disorder (p=0.017), consanguinity (p=0.049), undernutrition (p=0.009), stunting (p=0.002), and anemia (p=0.027). Follow-up revealed recurrence of seizures in 13.8% after the first episode. Conclusion: Recurrence was noted in 13.8% of children with a first typical febrile seizure. We also found a significant association of recurrent episodes with age, gender, family history of seizure disorder, consanguinity, undernutrition, stunting, and anemia.