Publication:

Predictors of recurrence of febrile seizures: a prospective cohort study from a tertiary care centre

Background This study was done to estimate various risk factors associated with the recurrence of febrile seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, on children aged 6 months to 5 years, admitted from June 2023 to May 2024. A total of 115 children presenting with their first episode of febrile seizures were enrolled and they were followed up for a period of 1 year. Children with CNS infections, afebrile seizures, or other exclusion criteria were omitted. History, clinical examination, and laboratory parameters including haemoglobin and serum sodium were recorded. Follow-up was conducted over one year. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24 with univariate analysis.

Results Out of 115 children, 35 (30.4%) developed recurrent febrile seizures. Statistically significant associations were observed for age ≤1 year (p=0.008), prolonged seizure >5 minutes (p=0.0001), positive family history of FS (p=0.009), and haemoglobin <11 gm/dl (p=0.028). Gender, fever intensity, duration of fever, seizure type, and serum sodium levels were not significantly associated.

Conclusions Younger age, prolonged seizures, positive family history, and anaemia were key predictors of FS recurrence. Early recognition of these factors can improve parental counselling and follow-up care strategies.