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 febrile seizures. Methods: 70 children with febrile 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 children’s 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 febrile 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 febrile seizures, status epilepticus, or were ill looking. Simple febrile 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.