Impact of Influenza Infection on Febrile Seizures: Clinical Implications |
Han Na Jang, Eun Hye Lee |
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea |
Correspondence:
Eun Hye Lee, Tel: +82-2-958-9793, Fax: +82-2-958-8304, Email: leeeh80@khmc.or.kr |
Received: 27 August 2018 • Revised: 4 October 2018 • Accepted: 5 October 2018 |
|
Abstract |
Purpose Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common type of seizure in the first 5 years of life and are frequently associated with viral infections. Influenza infection is associated with a variety of neurological conditions, including FSs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of influenza infection in FSs.
Methods In total, 388 children with FS were divided into two groups: FS with influenza infection (n=75) and FSs without influenza infection (n=313). Their medical records, including seizure type, frequency, duration, and familial history of FSs or epilepsy, were retrospectively reviewed and the clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared.
Results In total, 75 of the 388 children (19.3%) had FSs associated with influenza infection; such children were significantly older than those with FSs without influenza infection (34.9±22.3 months vs. 24.4±14.2 months; P <0.001). The children who had more than two febrile seizures episodes were more prevalent in children with FS with influenza infection [40/75 (53.3%) vs. 92/313 (29.4%); P <0.01]. Children older than 60 months were more likely to have influenza infection compared to those aged less than 60 months[11/22(50%)vs.64/366(17.5%);P=0.001].
Conclusion Influenza infection may be associated with FSs in older children, and with recurrence of FSs. Its role in the development of afebrile seizures or subsequent epilepsy requires further investigation with long-term follow-up. |
Key Words:
Febrile seizures, Influenza, Recurrence, Age |
|