A Study of clinical and laboratory profile of children presenting with febrile seizures in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common cause of convulsions in children. Although most febrile seizures are benign, the child must be evaluated immediately to reduce parental anxiety, to identify the cause of fever and preventable risk factors if any. It is essential to exclude underlying pyogenic meningitis, either clinically or if any doubt remains, by lumbar puncture. The present study evaluated the common risk factors associated with febrile seizures and the conditions causing fever commonly associated with febrile seizures, the morbidity profile and laboratory profile in children presenting with febrile seizures to identify preventable risk factors if any. Methods : n=50 Children in the age group of 6 months to 5 years admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagunoor, Karimnagar with Febrile Seizures diagnosed as per AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines, taken up for the study and compared with 50 other children in the same group with fever but without seizures. Both the study group and control were examined, investigated and compared against each other concerning the clinical and laboratory profile. RESULTS: In the present observational prospective study, the incidence of febrile seizures was more in children less than 24 months of age (78%), with a Male children Preponderance (58%). There were more children with Pallor (70%), Family History of Seizure Disorder (30%), and Consanguinity (38%) in children with Febrile Seizures. URI & Viral fever (44%) were the most common etiological factors for fever among the study group. On investigation, many children with Febrile Seizures had low Haemoglobin levels (60%) and Microcytic Hypochromic blood picture (58%). There was no significant abnormality in Total & Differential Leucocyte Count, Serum Calcium, Electrolyte, Random Blood Sugar levels among the Cases and Controls. Conclusion: Young age (<24 months), family history of febrile seizures and family history of epilepsy are risk factors for febrile seizures. Consanguinity among parents was an incidental finding in children with febrile seizures. Many children with febrile seizures had Microcytic Hypochromic anemia pointing towards iron deficiency thus iron supplementation to prevent anemia may lead to decreased incidence of development and recurrence of febrile seizures. Association of serious infectious diseases with febrile seizures is rare. Laboratory investigations should be directed towards the identification of the cause of fever and not an evaluation of seizure.