Frequency of fever episodes related to febrile seizure recurrence

The aim of this study was to assess the number of fever episodes as a risk factor for febrile seizure recurrence during the first 6 months after the last previous febrile seizure. In a 6-month follow-up study of 155 children, aged 3 months to 5 y, with a first or a recurrent febrile seizure, the occurrence of fever episodes and febrile seizure recurrences was prospectively documented. Using logistic regression analysis the association between the baseline characteristics and the number of fever episodes and the outcome, a febrile seizure recurrence, was studied. In total, 260 fever episodes were registered; 29 children experienced 1 or more febrile seizure recurrence during follow-up. Two factors were associated with febrile seizure recurrence: the number of fever episodes [odds ratio (OR)= 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-2.4)] and age at study entry (OR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-1.1). In a multivariable model, only the number of fever episodes remained significant. In conclusion, the number of fever episodes increases the risk of a febrile seizure recurrence with a factor of 1.8 per fever episode in the first 6 months after a febrile seizure.

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