Risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures in children aged 6–60 months admitted to a tertiary care hospital

Background: Febrile seizures are common in children under five, with simple seizures being brief and harmless, while complex seizures have higher risks. Incidence and recurrence are influenced by age, family history, immunization, and nutritional deficiencies. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to observe the various risk factors associated with the recurrence of febrile seizures in children aged 6–60 months. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 150 children’s at the Government Medical College Hospital, Namakkal, from June 2022 to May 2023. Children with simple or complex febrile seizures were enrolled, excluding other causes through clinical evaluation and investigations. Risk factors for recurrence were assessed, with prior records reviewed for recurrent cases. Results: Of the patients, 78.7% were >1 year and 61.3% were male, with most experiencing simple seizures (88.7%) and fever lasting <24 h (65.3%). Recurrent febrile seizures occurred in 51.3%, with nearly half having multiple episodes. Recurrence was significantly higher in children <1 year and those whose first seizure occurred before 1 year (P<0.001), in males (P=0.003), and in children with simple seizures or seizures <5 min (P<0.001). Lower fever intensity (<102.2°F) and multiple episodes were also associated with recurrence (P≤0.009). Family history of epilepsy increased recurrence risk (P<0.001), while hemoglobin, serum sodium, fever duration, and family history of febrile seizures showed no significant association. Conclusion: Recurrent febrile seizures were more common in males; <1-year-old at first seizure, with simple seizures <5 min, family history, anemia, and low sodium were not significant. Close monitoring and parent education are essential to manage and prevent complications.