Family History Of Febrile Seizures Research Articles

Assessment Of Risk Factors For Recurrent Febrile Seizures Among Children Aged Below 5 Years

Background: Febrile seizures are seizures that occur between the ages of 6 and 60 months with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, that are not result of CNS infection or any metabolic imbalance and that occur in the absence of a history of prior afebrile seizures. They occur in around 2% of 5% of children and recurrence is seen in about one-third of children. Very few studies till now reported the risk factors of recurrence of febrile seizure from India. Therefore, the present study was conducted to know the risk factors associated with recurrence of febrile seizures among South Indian children. Objectives: 1. To know the incidence of recurrence of febrile seizures among children. 2. To study the risk factors of recurrent febrile seizures among children aged below 5 years. Materials and Methods: 50 children with febrile seizures were included. The study was done in the Department of Pediatrics at ASRAM, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Male and females children aged 6 months to 5 years with clinical features suggesting febrile seizures were included. Results: Among 50 children included, 22 had recurrent febrile seizures and 28 had no recurrent febrile seizures. Overall 29 children were males. Family history of febrile seizures, young age, family history of epilepsy, temperature below 102°F, less duration of fever, complex febrile seizures are found to be risk factors for recurrence. Gender and duration of febrile seizures were not associated with the recurrence. Conclusion: The current study revealed that younger age at onset of 1 st episode of seizure, lower temperature during the episode, brief duration between onset of fever and seizure episode and family history of febrile seizures were associated with recurrence of febrile seizures.

Association between microcytic-hypochromic anemia and simple febrile seizure in children

Aims: This research aims to assess the impact of microcytic-hypochromic anemia on first febrile seizures in children, given its high incidence in developed countries like Indonesia. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in a regional general hospital setting. Methods and Material: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study including 50 patients aged 6 months to 5 years old over 14 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Controls were the age and sex-matched febrile children without accompanying seizures, and the case group admitted with a first simple febrile seizure. Both case and control groups were normal in growth. To provide 95% confidence and 80% power in statistical analysis, a sample size of 25 for each group was calculated. Data including age, gender, body temperature, seizure characteristics, family history of febrile seizure, and laboratory findings consisting of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were recorded. Anemia is defined as having hemoglobin level of less than 10.5 g/dl in children aged 6 months to 2 years old and less than 11.5 g/dl in 2 to 6-year-old patients.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Febrile Seizures Based on Prior COVID-19 Infection

Purpose: Febrile seizures (FSs) are neurological events associated with fever, typically occurring in children between 6 months and 5 years of age in the absence of central nervous system infection. Growing evidence suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause immune system dysregulation. This study compared the clinical characteristics of patients with FS based on whether they had experienced prior COVID-19 infection.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the medical records of 114 patients with FS who visited Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022. Results: The study cohort included 70 (61.4%) boys and 44 (38.6%) girls, with a mean age of 22.99±11.68 months at seizure onset. Among the 114 patients with FS, 19 had a history of COVID-19, while 95 did not. These groups differed significantly in the interval between the onset of fever and seizure. Specifically, when using a 12-hour threshold for analysis, a significantly greater proportion of patients with a history of COVID-19 exhibited intervals exceeding 12 hours compared to those without such a history. No significant differences were noted regarding sex, age, seizure frequency, personal history of FS, or family history of FS or epilepsy between the groups.Conclusion: Pediatric patients with FS and prior COVID-19 infection exhibited longer intervals between the onset of fever and seizure compared to those without previous COVID-19 infection. This finding suggests that COVID-19 may influence the mechanisms underlying FS. To better understand this relationship, long-term follow-up studies with larger cohorts are warranted.

Associative Patterns Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Febrile Seizures in the Five to 60 Months Age Group: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Febrile seizures (FS) are commonly seen in younger age groups. The cause of seizures is multifactorial, including viral illnesses, certain vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), family history of FS, and certain mineral deficiencies like zinc. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in children of the same age group. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This review aimed to investigate the correlation between IDA and fever convulsions. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for studies published between January 2013 and September 2023. The following keywords were used to search the articles: "children", "febrile seizures", and "iron deficiency anemia", using all possible combinations and using the word "and" between them. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria application, we included 23 case-control studies written in the English language in this study. Quality assessment of studies was done using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Febrile Seizures.

Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common cause of pediatric seizures. They are defined as seizures in children age 6 months to 5 years with a temperature higher than 100.4°F, although they are more common at higher temperatures. A family history of FS is the most common risk factor. FSs are classified into three types (simple, complex, or febrile status epilepticus) based on duration and quality, with simple FSs accounting for many cases. Most FSs persist for less than 10 minutes and are self-limiting. Approximately one-third of patients will have recurrence of FSs. Safe and effective prophylaxis for FS has yet to be identified. Most patients will not have any long-term sequelae, although there is an increased risk of epilepsy, particularly for those with febrile status epilepticus. FSs are associated with caregiver anxiety, "fever phobia," and high health care use, emphasizing the importance of education and reassurance for both the provider and family. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(10):e388-e393.].

Clinical aspects of patients visiting the emergency department with febrile seizure

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, recurrence, neurological outcomes, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in children who visited 2 emergency departments (EDs) with febrile seizure (FS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 3,172 episodes, involving 2,510 children aged 6-60 months whose diagnoses were FSs at the EDs in 2 hospitals from 2013 through 2022. Through the review, we analyzed clinical characteristics and associated factors for the recurrence of FS. As a sub-analysis, the variables were compared between before (2017-2019) and during (2020-2022) the pandemic. Results: A total of 3,172 FS-related visits to the EDs were found in 2,510 children. Of these, 890 children (35.5%) underwent recurrences of FS. The recurrence of FS was associated with boys (63.3% vs. 57.8%; P = 0.007), seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes (16.6% vs. 12.7%; P = 0.007), family history of FS (23.7% vs. 16.2%; P < 0.001), complex FS (13.3% vs. 8.0%; P < 0.001), and epilepsy diagnosed thereafter (9.1% vs. 3.0%; P < 0.001). During the pandemic, we noted a decrease in the number of FS-related visits to the EDs (from 1,274 to 383), an increase in the percentage of complex FS (9.3% vs. 13.8%; P = 0.012), and a decrease in the percentage of recurrent FS (49.4% vs. 33.4%; P < 0.001), compared to before the pandemic. Conclusion: Our study identified factors associated with recurrence of FS, and confirmed the increase in complex FS with the decrease in the recurrence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. These findings could be helpful when caring for children with FS in EDs.

Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Parents of Children Being Admitted for Febrile Seizures in a Tertiary Hospital in the East Coast of Malaysia.

Febrile seizures in children are an alarming experience for parents. This study aimed to assess the psychological functioning of parents of children when they were being admitted for treatment of febrile seizures in the hospital, the importance of which is clear, since parents are the primary custodian of their children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 110 participants whose child had been admitted for a febrile seizure to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from September 2020 until June 2021. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels were determined based on a validated Bahasa Melayu questionnaire of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors related to the participants' psychological functioning. The mean age of children with febrile seizures were 21 months old, and most children showed features of simple febrile seizures (71.8%). The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression were 58.2%, 29%, and 23.6%, respectively. Using multiple logistic regression, child age, family history of febrile seizures, family history of epilepsy, and length of stay in the ward were found to be significantly associated with anxiety when adjusted for other variables. Otherwise, for depression and stress, no significant associated variables were found when adjusted for other variables. Anxiety was highly reported by participants when their children were admitted for febrile seizures. Several factors impacted their anxiety, including the lower the child's age was, participants with no family history of febrile seizures before, and the longer duration of hospital stay. Therefore, further study and intervention on reducing the parent's anxiety could be emphasized in the future.

Frequency and risk factors for febrile seizures during COVID-19 pandemic waves: an observational study.

Febrile seizures (FS) are well-known manifestations of viral illnesses. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and factors associated with FS among pediatric patients with COVID-19 admitted to the National Isolation Centre in Brunei Darussalam. All pediatric patients (< 12years) during the first (n = 12), second (n = 418), and third (n = 219) waves were included in the study. In Brunei, the first, second, and third waves were caused by the original SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron variants, respectively. Data was extracted from a prospective database and the national electronic health record system. Patients with and without FS were compared to identify any significant risk factors. FS were only encountered in the third wave (n = 29, 13%) giving an overall prevalence of 4.5%; 24 (83%) occurring in the typical age group for FS (≥ 6months to < 6years). Five cases (17%) occurred in children 6years and older. Comparing patients in the third wave, univariate analyses showed typical age group, previous history of FS, family history of FS, higher temperature (> 38.6°C), and fewer symptoms on presentation (3 or less) were associated with FS. On multivariate analyses, typical age group, family history of FS, and fewer reported symptoms remained significant (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of FS in COVID-19 patients is comparable to rates reported. However, in Brunei Darussalam, FS only occurred in the third wave that has been associated with Omicron variant. Younger age group, family history of FS, and fewer symptoms on presentation are correlated with risk of FS. What is Known: • Viral infections are the most common cause of FS in children. •Young age and a personal and family history of FS are correlated with the risk of FS. What is New: • There were high rates of FS (13%) among pediatric patients admitted with COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant but not with the original and Delta variants. • FS with COVID-19 were correlated with reporting fewer symptoms on presentation.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH FEBRILE SEIZURE IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objectives: To find out the clinical feature and outcomes of febrile seizures. Methods: After written informed consent, detailed clinical history of each patient including a time of presentation, the onset of fever and associated symptoms, data regarding demographic details, duration and type of seizure, history of seizures, and antiepileptic drug, repetition of seizure within 24 h, past history of seizures, birth history, family history was taken and entered in predesigned pro forma. Collected data were checked and verified for correctness and accuracy, which was then analyzed using statistical methods. Results: In the present study male-to-female ratio was 1.75:1. The maximum number (82.5%) of patients lacked a family history of febrile seizure, while 17.5% of patients had a positive family history of FS. 70% of the pediatric patients had upper respiratory tract infection. The maximum number of patients had simple febrile seizures, which are 81.25%, whereas 18.75% of patients had complex febrile seizures. The majority (73.75%) of patients in the present study had anemia. WBC count &gt;11×109/L was found in 45 patients out of 80 (56.25%), and WBC count&lt;4.5×109/L was found in 6 out of 80 (7.5%). Conclusion: Majority of patients with febrile seizures presented at a younger age which might represent the vulnerability of the developing brain to fever. As all the patients were discharged without any complication, so this study further adds to the knowledge of the benign nature of this disease.

Core Features Differentiate Dravet Syndrome from Febrile Seizures

An 11-month-old girl with febrile seizures and first unprovoked seizures was evaluated in the hospital. Relevant history included developmental delay and strong family history of febrile seizures and migraines. A routine electroencephalogram was performed and was abnormal due to the presence of a slowed posterior dominant rhythm, generalized spike-wave discharges, and multifocal sharp waves. The findings were concerning for a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Given the concern for a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, a next generation sequence epilepsy gene panel was ordered which identified a pathogenic variant in SCN1A. The clinical history, electroencephalogram, and pathogenic variant were compatible with a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome. This Grand Rounds manuscript highlights the thought process, evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in Dravet syndrome.

Association between high-mobility group box 1 levels and febrile seizures in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The relationship between High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and febrile seizures (FS) in children remains unclear. This study aimed to apply meta-analysis to reveal the correlation between HMGB1 levels and FS in children. Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane library, CNKI, SinoMed and WanFangData were searched for relevant studies. Pooled standard mean deviation and 95% confidence interval were calculated as effect size since the random-effects model was used when I2 > 50%. Meanwhile, between-study heterogeneity was determined by performing subgroup and sensitivity analyses. A total of 9 studies were finally included. Meta-analysis showed that the children with FS had significantly higher HMGB1 levels compared with healthy children and children with fever but no seizures (P<0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis showed that the HMGB1 level in children with complex FS was higher than those with simple FS (P<0.05), and children with duration >15 min were higher than those with duration ≤15min (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences between children with or without a family history of FS (P>0.05). Finally, children with FS who converted to epilepsy exhibited higher HMGB1 levels than those who did not convert to epilepsy (P<0.05). The level of HMGB1 may be implicated in the prolongation, recurrence and development of FS in children. Thus, it was necessary to evaluate the precise concentrations of HMGB1 in FS patients and to further determine the various activities of HMGB1 during FS by well-designed, large-scale, and case-controlled trials.

Focality in Febrile Seizures: A Retrospective Assessment Using Arterial Spin Labeling MRI.

Defining focality of febrile seizures (FS) in clinical practice remains controversial. We investigated focality issues in FS with a postictal arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence. We retrospectively reviewed 77 children (median: 19.0 months, range: 15.0-33.0 months) who consecutively visited our emergency room for FS and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including the ASL sequence, within 24 hours of seizure onset. ASL data were visually analyzed to assess perfusion changes. Factors related to the perfusion changes were investigated. The mean time to ASL acquisition was 7.0 (interquartile range: 4.0-11.0) hours. The most common seizure classification was unknown-onset seizures (n = 37, 48%), followed by focal-onset (n = 26, 34%) and generalized-onset seizures (n = 14, 18%). Perfusion changes were observed in 43 (57%) patients: most were hypoperfusion (n = 35, 83%). The temporal regions were the most common location of perfusion changes (n = 26, 60%); the majority of these were distributed in the unilateral hemisphere. Perfusion changes were independently associated with seizure classification (focal-onset seizures, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 9.6, p = 0.01; unknown-onset seizures aOR: 10.4, p < 0.01), and prolonged seizures (aOR: 3.1, p = 0.04), but not with other factors (age, sex, time to MRI acquisition, previous FS, repeated FS within 24 hour, family history of FS, structural abnormality on MRI, and developmental delay). The focality scale of seizure semiology positively correlated with perfusion changes (R = 0.334, p < 0.01). Focality in FS may be common, and its primary origin might be the temporal regions. ASL can be useful for assessing focality in FS, particularly when seizure onset is unknown.

Risk factors for acute encephalitis and early seizure recurrence in complex febrile seizures.

The purpose of this study is to elucidate risk factors for central nervous system infection and early seizure recurrence in children with febrile seizures (FSs) and thus facilitate outpatient management of complex FS. This single-center, retrospective cohort study investigated 688 children (6-60months old) with FSs in Japan during 2011-2021. We investigated the incidence and clinical manifestations of children with acute encephalitis or bacterial meningitis. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine risk factors for seizure recurrence within 24h. Among children with recurrent FSs, the distribution of intervals between first and second FS was assessed. Among 145 children with complex FSs, 2 patients (1.4%) had acute viral encephalitis and none had bacterial meningitis. Acute encephalitis was found in 2 of 8 patients (25%) with FSs prolonged ≥30min and 2 of 3 patients (67%) requiring ≥2 intravenous anticonvulsants to stop seizures. Seizure recurrence within 24h was observed in 16% of participants and was independently associated with preceding use of diazepam and family history of FS. In 82% of patients with FS recurrence within 24h, early recurrences occurred within 8h of the first seizure. Conclusion: Patients with prolonged or refractory FSs are still indicated for hospital admission due to the risk of acute encephalitis. FS patients with a family history of FS may be managed safely by 8-h observation or single-dose rectal diazepam as prophylaxis against early recurrent seizure. What is Known: •Hospitalization has been recommended for children with complex febrile seizures due to the increased risk of central nervous infections. •Recent studies showed low incidences of bacterial meningitis (<1%) in children with complex febrile seizures in the presence of routine immunization. What is New: •Acute encephalitis was identified in 1.4% of children with complex febrile seizures, characterized by prolonged seizures ≥30 min and refractory seizures. •Early recurrent seizures may be safely managed by prophylactic diazepam or 8-h expectant observation.

Clinical exome sequencing identifies a novel variant in SCN1A gene in a Moroccan patient with Dravet syndrome

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare genetic epilepsy syndrome inherited by an autosomal dominant manner. It’s characterized by occurrence of protracted febrile seizures (FS) followed by development of multiple seizure types and psychomotor retardation. Early DS diagnosis in a child with FS facilitate institution of appropriate treatment. In clinical practice, Exome-Sequencing (ES) become a powerful approach for molecular diagnosis in genetic epilepsies.&#x0D; A 3-year-old Moroccan girl, born to non-consanguineous parents, was diagnosed with DS. The FS (10-15min) began in the first year of life (10months) followed by fever (40°C) and sleep problems. MRI, EEG and psychomotor development were normal. Positive family history of FS was reported in the father. The focal myoclonic seizures developed during the second-year were prolonged, repeated and resistant to treatments. ES has shown a novel heterozygous missense variant [c.4265A&gt;T (p. Tyr1422Phe)] in exon 21 of SCN1A gene that encodes the type-1-subunit of neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel which regulate neuronal excitability. This variant has been predicted to be probably damaging by in-silico analysis. Genetic counselling is recommended for all families with SCN1A mutation. More analyses are needed to identify the phenotypic features of this novel variant in order to establish an effective care management.&#x0D; Keywords: Dravet syndrome, Exome sequencing, SCN1A, Moroccan patient.

Risk factors of epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures: A retrospective cohort study.

Febrile seizures are the most common seizures in children. Children with complex febrile seizures have a higher risk of subsequent epilepsy compared with children with simple febrile seizures. Multiple risks factors for epilepsy, including focal status epilepticus, family history of epilepsy, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and abnormal electroencephalogram findings, have been found with inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for developing epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures. The study included 248 children aged 3-72-months, diagnosed with complex febrile seizures at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Demographic data, seizure characteristics, electroencephalogram and neuroimaging findings were identified, and assessed to establish whether they were risk factors for subsequent epilepsy. Fifty-five patients (22.1%) had subsequent epilepsy. Using Cox regression-survival analysis, factors associated with epilepsy were prolonged seizures >15 min (P = 0.006; Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.475; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.294-4.735), developmental delay (P = 0.019; HR: 4.476; 95% CI: 2.280-15.646), epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram (P = 0.023; HR: 1.391; 95%CI: 1.174-1.876), and abnormal neuroimaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging; P = 0.028; HR: 1.355; 95% CI: 1.034-1.776). Age at onset, peak febrile temperature, duration between the onset of fever and the occurrence of seizure, recurrent seizures within 24 h, focal seizures, abnormal neurological exams and family history of febrile seizure or epilepsy were not associated with increased risk of subsequent epilepsy in this study. Risk factors associated with increased risk of epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures are prolonged seizures or febrile status epilepticus, developmental delay, electroencephalogram epileptiform discharges, and abnormal neuroimaging. Their presence would merit close clinical monitoring.

Vaccination and childhood epilepsies.

The evidence relating vaccination to febrile seizures and epilepsy is evaluated with an emphasis on febrile seizures (FS), Dravet syndrome (DS), West syndrome, and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. A systematic literature review using search words vaccination/immunization AND febrile seizures/epilepsy/Dravet/epileptic encephalopathy/developmental encephalopathy was performed. The role of vaccination as the cause/trigger/aggravation factor for FS or epilepsies and preventive measures were analyzed. From 1428 results, 846 duplicates and 447 irrelevant articles were eliminated; 120 were analyzed. There is no evidence that vaccinations cause epilepsy in healthy populations. Vaccinations do not cause epileptic encephalopathies but may be non-specific triggers to seizures in underlying structural or genetic etiologies. The first seizure in DS may be earlier in vaccinated versus non-vaccinated patients, but developmental outcome is similar in both groups. Children with a personal or family history of FS or epilepsy should receive all routine vaccinations. This recommendation includes DS. The known risks of the infectious diseases prevented by immunization are well established. Vaccination should be deferred in case of acute illness. Acellular pertussis DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) is recommended. The combination of certain vaccine types may increase the risk of febrile seizures however the public health benefit of separating immunizations has not been proven. Measles-containing vaccine should be administered at age 12-15 months. Routine prophylactic antipyretics are not indicated, as there is no evidence of decreased FS risk and they can attenuate the antibody response following vaccination. Prophylactic measures (preventive antipyretic medication) are recommended in DS due to the increased risk of prolonged seizures with fever.

The rationality behind performance of routine lumber puncture in simple febrile seizure in 6-18 months old children

Background: Pediatrics seizures can be either due to febrile seizure or underlying serious infection such as meningitis. It is important to rule out meningitis in children presenting with fever and seizure. The aim of the study was conducted to assess the necessity of routine lumber puncture and to determine the incidence of meningitis among children aged 6 to 18 months presenting with first episode of febrile seizure.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among 47 children with first episode of simple febrile seizure presenting to emergency in Medical College Kolkata, West Bengal from April 2018 to September 2019.Results: Total 47 children were studied among 32 (68%) children were between 6-12 months and 15 (32%) were between 12-18 months of age. Only 1 child (2.1%) diagnosed as meningitis. Clinically 7 children (14.9%) showed signs of sepsis and meningitis like picture and 6 children (12.8%) were in 6-12 months of age and only 1 child (2.1%) was in 12-18month of age. Only 1 child in 6-12 months of age showed CSF positive and all other CSF studies were within normal limit. A significant association was seen between age group and hyponatremia and family history of febrile seizure (p&lt;0.05). There was no statically significant between clinical diagnosis and CSF results (p=0.15).Conclusions: The risk of meningitis in children presenting with simple febrile seizure between 6-18 months of age is very low, specially in 12-18 months of age. Therefore, current guidelines regarding lumber puncture in simple febrile seizure should be reconsidered.

Evaluation of Patients Presenting With First Febrile Seizure.

IntroductionFebrile seizure (FS) is the most common cause of convulsion in children. In the present study, we evaluated patients presenting with FS.MethodsEighty-two patients aged between 6-60 months who presented to Mersin City Training and Research Hospital with the first febrile seizure between January 2020 and May 2021 were included in the study.ResultsOf the 82 patients included in our study, 42 (51,2%) were male and 40 were female (48,8%). Their average age at presentation of first febrile seizure was 21,05 ± 16,22 months. Fever focus was found in 32 patients (39,1%) with upper respiratory tract infection. Epileptic abnormality was observed in the EEG of six patients (7,3%) and antiepileptic medication was started in three of these patients.ConclusionsUpper respiratory tract infection, family history of FS, and family history of epilepsy are the main risk factors for the development of FS. Complex FS is a serious risk factor for the development of epilepsy.

Risk factors affecting seizure recurrence in childhood epilepsy during short-term follow-up.

The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting seizure recurrence in pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy. Three hundred patients presenting to the pediatric neurology clinic between 2015 and 2018 and diagnosed with epilepsy and treated with single antiseizure drug were included in the study. Medical histories and clinical and laboratory findings were retrieved retrospectively from the hospital data system. The combined and adjusted effects of risk factors on seizure recurrence were evaluated using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Boys had a higher rate of seizure recurrence than girls. Seizure recurrence was also higher in patients with abnormal neurological examinations at the time of diagnosis compared to those with normal neurological examinations. Seizure recurrence was significantly higher in patients with global growth retardation. Epilepsy patients with abnormal MRI findings also had a higher rate of seizure recurrence than patients with normal neuroimaging findings. In addition, seizure recurrence was significantly higher in epilepsy patients with comorbidities such as cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders compared to patients without comorbidities. No significant association was observed between seizure recurrence and the first drug, perinatal asphyxia history, localization of epileptiform discharges on EEG, family history of epilepsy, family history of febrile seizures, history of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit during the perinatal period, or preterm delivery. Abnormal neurological examination, abnormal neuroimaging and accompanying comorbidities, and global growth retardation at the time of diagnosis are important factors affecting seizure recurrence in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

Differential Clinical Features in Colombian Patients With Rolandic Epilepsy and Suggestion of Unlikely Association With GRIN2A, RBFOX1, or RBFOX3 Gene Variants.

Our purpose was to describe the phenotypic features and test for association of genes GRIN2A, RBFOX1 and RBFOX3 with rolandic epilepsy in patients from Colombia. Thirty patients were enrolled. A structured interview was applied. In addition, saliva samples were collected from the patients and their parents. One polymorphism in each of GRIN2A, RBFOX1 and RBFOX3 genes was tested. The average age at onset was 5.3 years. Almost half the sample presented prolonged seizures (>5 minutes); although the majority of the patients presented their seizures only while asleep, over a quarter presented them only while awake. The most frequent comorbidity was the presence of symptoms compatible with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Personal history of febrile seizures and parasomnias were equally frequent (20%). Family history of any type of epilepsy was reported in 80% of the patients, followed by migraine (73.3%) and poor academic performance (63.3%). About half the sample reported sleepwalking in parents or sibs. Most patients had received pharmacologic treatment. We found no association of rolandic epilepsy with the single nucleotide polymorphisms tested. Our rolandic epilepsy cohort presents clinical features clearly different from other cohorts. For instance, age at onset is much earlier in our set of patients, and personal and family history of febrile seizures as well as parasomnias are highly prevalent in our sample. No association of rolandic epilepsy with variants at the 3 genes tested was found. This lack of association may reflect the high genetic heterogeneity of the epilepsies.