A study on risk factors and clinical profile of children with febrile seizures presenting to emergency department

Abstract

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in childhood, occurring in children aged 6 months to 5 years in association with fever. Despite their generally benign nature, they remain a major cause of pediatric emergency visits and parental anxiety. Understanding the clinical profile and associated risk factors is essential for appropriate management and counselling. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of six months in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 children aged 6 months to 5 years presenting with febrile seizures were included. Data were collected using a structured proforma, including demographic details, seizure characteristics, fever profile, and associated risk factors such as family history and past history of seizures. Febrile seizures were classified as simple or complex based on standard clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 50 children, 54% were males and 46% were females, indicating a slight male predominance. The majority of cases occurred in the 2–3 years age group (40%), followed by 6 months–1 year (32%) and 4–5 years (28%). First episodes were observed in 68% of children, while 32% had recurrent seizures. Family history was the most common risk factor (48.5%), followed by age-related factors (28.5%) and past history (23%). Simple febrile seizures accounted for 80% of cases, whereas complex febrile seizures constituted 20%. Conclusion: Febrile seizures predominantly affect young children, with simple febrile seizures being the most common type. Family history plays a significant role as a risk factor, and recurrence occurs in a considerable proportion of cases. Early identification of risk factors and effective parental counselling are essential to improve management and reduce anxiety. Adoption of evidence-based approaches can optimize clinical outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions..