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Ferretti A, Riva A, Fabrizio A, Bruni O, Capovilla G, Foiadelli T, Orsini A, Raucci U, Romeo A, Striano P, Parisi P. Best practices for the management of febrile seizures in children. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:95. [PMID: 38735928 PMCID: PMC11089695 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FS) are commonly perceived by healthcare professionals as a self-limited condition with a generally 'benign' nature. Nonetheless, they frequently lead to pediatric consultations, and their management can vary depending on the clinical context. For parents and caregivers, witnessing a seizure can be a distressing experience, significantly impacting their quality of life. In this review, we offer an in-depth exploration of FS management, therapeutic interventions, and prognostic factors, with the aim of providing support for physicians and enhancing communication with families. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed and Web of Science databases, spanning the past 50 years. The search terms utilized included "febrile seizure," "complex febrile seizure," "simple febrile seizure," in conjunction with "children" or "infant." Only studies published in English or those presenting evidence-based data were included in our assessment. Additionally, we conducted a cross-reference search to identify any additional relevant data sources. Our thorough literature search resulted in a compilation of references, with carefully selected papers thoughtfully integrated into this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ferretti
- Pediatrics Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organ (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy.
| | - Antonella Riva
- IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Fabrizio
- Pediatrics Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organ (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Capovilla
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department, Epilepsy Center, Mantova, Italy
- C. Poma HospitalFondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Umberto Raucci
- General and Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Romeo
- Fatebenefratelli Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Pediatrics Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organ (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
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Kim JS, Woo H, Kim WS, Sung WY. Clinical Profile and Predictors of Recurrent Simple Febrile Seizure. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 156:4-9. [PMID: 38677048 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent simple febrile seizure (SFS) refers to febrile seizure (FS) that recurs within 24 hours. Patients with recurrent SFS often undergo unnecessary neurodiagnostic tests. To address this, we compared the clinical characteristics of recurrent SFS with those of SFS and investigated the risk factors associated with recurrent SFS. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of patients aged six to 60 months who had been hospitalized for FS at two training hospitals between January 2016 and December 2019. The primary outcome was a comparison of the clinical features of patients with SFS and recurrent SFS. Additionally, the risk factors associated with seizure recurrence within 24 hours were evaluated. RESULTS Three quarters (n = 191, 75.2%) of the 254 enrolled patients experienced a single seizure episode during the febrile illness period. The remaining 63 patients (24.8%) were diagnosed with recurrent SFS. Significant differences between SFS and recurrent SFS were observed in the history of recurrent SFS, time from fever onset to seizure, and body temperature on hospital arrival. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of previous recurrent SFS (odds ratio [OR] 10.161) and a body temperature below 39°C on arrival (OR 2.377) were significantly associated with early seizure recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that early FS recurrence is common and has a self-limiting clinical course similar to that of SFS. We recommend close monitoring of the patient for six to eight hours when a history of early recurrence is present or if the seizure occurs at a low body temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Soo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Woo
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Seop Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Young Sung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Leung JSC. Febrile Seizures: An Updated Narrative Review for Pediatric Ambulatory Care Providers. Curr Pediatr Rev 2024; 20:43-58. [PMID: 36043723 DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220829121946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While generally self-limited, febrile seizures result in significant familial distress. Ambulatory pediatric care providers must be prepared to counsel families on the causes, risk factors, management principles, and prognosis of children with febrile seizures. OBJECTIVE To provide an updated, evidence-based review of febrile seizures focused on the needs of an ambulatory pediatric care provider. METHODS A narrative review of the literature prioritizing landmark articles, metanalyses, longitudinal population longitudinal cohort studies and national level guidelines. RESULTS Febrile seizures are aberrant physiological responses to fever in children caused by complex interactions of cytokine mediated neuroinflammation, environmental triggers, and genetic predisposition. Other than investigations to determine fever etiology, routine bloodwork, lumbar punctures, neuroimaging and electroencephalograms are low yield. The general prognosis is excellent, however, clinicians should be aware of long-term outcomes including: cognitive impairment with non-simple febrile seizures; neuropsychiatric associations; recurrent febrile seizure and epilepsy risk factors; and the association between complex febrile seizures and sudden unexpected death. Children with a high risk of recurrence, complex febrile seizures, limited access to care, or extreme parental anxiety may benefit from intermittent oral diazepam prophylaxis. CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider four management priorities: 1) terminating the seizure; 2) excluding critical differential diagnoses; 3) investigating fever etiology; and 4) providing adequate counselling to families. The clinical approach and prognosis of febrile seizure can be based on subtype. Children with non-simple (i.e. complex or febrile status epilepticus) febrile seizures require closer care than the vast majority of children with simple febrile seizures, who have excellent outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sze-Chuck Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Liu BD, Ugolini C, Jha P. Two Cases of Post-Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Encephalopathy Associated With Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus. Cureus 2021; 13:e16172. [PMID: 34367780 PMCID: PMC8330960 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections can cause many complications, including central nervous system (CNS) complications. One of the most common COVID-19 CNS complications is COVID-19 encephalopathy, a disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, altered consciousness, and even seizures. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is a recently approved mRNA-based vaccine aimed at preventing COVID-19 infections and their complications. Here, we describe two patients with no known neurological or psychiatric history who presented with encephalopathy and seizures that began after part one of their Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series. To our knowledge, there are no other reports of post-Moderna COVID-19 vaccine encephalopathy in the literature. We suggest a mechanism for this complication and thoroughly discuss why the Moderna vaccine is possibly responsible, by addressing confounders in our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Liu
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wawautosa, USA
| | - Corrado Ugolini
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wawautosa, USA
| | - Pinky Jha
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA
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