Risk factors for development of febrile seizures in children admitted to Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Sri Lanka

Background Febrile seizures (FS) are reported more frequently in the Asian population. Identifying risk factors for development of FS, would enable health care providers to prioritise health services including preventive and curative measures to the most vulnerable population groups, especially in low resource settings in developing countries. There is no data on risk factors for developing febrile seizures in Sri Lankan children. Method An unmatched case-control study was performed at the premier children’s hospital in the country over a 6-month period. Children aged 6 months to 6 years, who presented with FS (first ever or recurrence), confirmed by a paediatrician, were recruited for the study. The controls were children of presenting with a febrile illness not complicated with seizures. History and examination were used to identify any underlying neurological disorder or developmental delay. Interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinic records were used to collect data. Risk was assessed using odds ratio (OR). Results There were 74 cases and 67 controls. Their corresponding median ages were 28 and 36 months. Among cases, 62% presented with simple FS and all others with complex febrile seizures; 5.4% presented in status epilepticus. This was their first ever seizure in thirty-four (50%); in the balance it was a recurrence of FS. It was only the family history of febrile seizure (OR=6.27) and low axillary temperature at time of seizure (OR= 2.21) that were found to be associated with significant risk of development of febrile seizures in our patients. Conclusion This study described the demographics of FS and identified the risk factors for its development in Sri Lankan children