The aims of the present study are to identify predisposing factors of febrile seizures
in influenza A infection and to clarify the special characteristics of febrile seizures
in children with influenza A infection. Between January and July 2005, children hospitalized
because of febrile seizures and subsequently confirmed influenza A infection were
enrolled as subjects. Age-matched control subjects were those admitted as a result
of influenza A infection but no febrile seizures (control 1) and children who developed
febrile seizures with negative viral studies (control 2). Significant factors for
the development of febrile seizures include: history of febrile seizures, family history
of seizure disorders, and coexisting gastroenteritis. Independent risk factor for
febrile seizures was history of febrile seizures (odds ratio 7.58, 95% confidence
interval CI 1.48 to 38.84, P = 0.015). When compared with children who developed febrile seizures with negative
virus studies, children who developed febrile seizures in influenza A infection had
a significantly higher maximum body temperature, shorter duration of fever before
seizure onset, and more frequent occurrence of partial seizures. Current episode represented
first seizure in 26.5% of children infected with influenza A as compared with 50%
of children whose virus studies were negative (P = 0.04). The findings suggest that effective vaccination may prevent development
of febrile seizures, especially in those patients with past history of febrile seizures.
Rapid diagnostic testing for influenza infection in the management of complex febrile
seizures, especially during influenza season, is cost-effective.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 20,
2006
Received:
March 7,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
