Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of prophylactic treatment for patients
with febrile convulsions (FCs) in whom electroencephalograms (EEGs) revealed epileptiform
discharges.
We retrospectively investigated 43 patients who met the following criteria: (a) at
least one FC during the study period; (b) epileptiform discharges were first recognized;
(c) no unevoked seizures before epileptiform discharges were first seen; (d) normal
psychomotor development and no neurological abnormality; and (e) follow-up >3 years.
The clinical characteristics, treatment, and a later occurrence of FCs or unevoked
seizures were studied.
EEGs revealed focal epileptiform discharges in 25 patients and generalized ones in
18. There was no significant difference in the rate of recurrence of FC or occurrence
of unevoked seizures between those with focal and generalized epileptiform discharges.
No prophylaxis was performed in ten patients, 14 patients being treated with intermittent
diazepam and 19 with a daily anticonvulsant. The rate of recurrence of FC was not
significantly different between patients with and without prophylaxis. Unevoked seizures
were only observed in two patients undergoing daily treatment.
Intermittent or daily anticonvulsant therapy will not reduce the risk of recurrence
of FCs or later development of unevoked seizures in patients with FC with epileptiform
discharges.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 25,
2003
Received in revised form:
July 18,
2003
Received:
July 30,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
