Epidemiologic, Demographic, and Clinical Features in Children with Febrile Convulsion in Isfahan City Teaching Hospitals, Iran

Background: Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most common neurologic disorder in children. It occurs in children aged 6 months to 5 years, with a prevalence of 3-4%. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic, demographic, and clinical features in children with febrile convulsion in Isfahan City, Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in children with febrile convulsion, who were hospitalized in teaching hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Epidemiologic, demographic, and clinical variables were excluded from patient's records. Findings: 1218 patient's records with mean age of 24.33 ± 16.5 months were evaluated; 58.8% of them were boys. Overall, 81% of febrile convulsions were simple and 19% were complex. 10 percent had a history of neonatal hospital admission. In total, 34% and 66% were delivered by normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section, respectively. There was significant correlation between type of febrile convulsion and family history of it and childbirth type. Recurrence of febrile convulsion was related to gender, season, and family history of febrile convulsion significantly. Conclusion: Febrile convulsion was more prevalent in boys, in the first two-years of life, and in winter. Complex febrile convulsion was more prevalent in children with cesarean section delivery and positive family history of febrile convulsion. The positive family history of febrile convulsion increased the risk of its recurrence. Identifying factors related to recurrent febrile convulsion may help in prevention and treatment modalities.