Literature Review

Clinical Profile Of Hospitalized Children With Febrile Seizures

Abstract :

Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical profile, investigations, course in hospital and outcome of children admitted with feile seizures. Methods: 70 children with feile seizures were taken as study subjects. The study was conducted over six months, from June 2018 to November 2018. Clinical, laboratory, EEG, and neuroimaging data were evaluated. Results: The childrens ages ranged between 7-70 months (mean 20, SD 14), and 58.5% were males. Majority of the hospitalized children (60 out of 70) had complex feile seizures (55%), were dull looking (24.5%), suffered from status (17.5%), or positive meningeal irritation signs (4%). Electrolyte abnormalities were uncommon (10%), however, complete blood count was found to be abnormal in 45%, which increased the likelihood of receiving intravenous antibiotics (p=0.01). Lumbar puncture was performed in those who demonstrated signs of meningeal irritation or those who were younger than 2 years of age. MRI Brain was performed in 15.71% and EEG in 35.71%. Obtaining an EEG was less likely if the seizures were typical (13% versus 50% in atypical, p=0.002). Duration of hospitalization ranged between 1-14 days (mean 4.7, SD 3.2), and only one child had meningitis, which was predicted clinically. Conclusions: Those children who were admitted frequently had complex feile seizures, status epilepticus, or were ill looking. Simple feile seizures are generally investigated selectively. However, it was observed that the yield of investigations remains low and does not justify extensive work-up or prolonged hospitalization.

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