ABSTRACT
Febrile seizure is the most common convulsive disorder in childhood. Intense parental anxiety and fear from recurrence is observed. The aim is to determine the risk factors for febrile seizure in children. this observational study undertaken from 1st February to the end of June 2008. One hundred ten children between 6months-6years of age admitted with attack of febrile seizure were recruited. Demographic data including age, sex, type and duration of febrile seizure, family history of febrile seizure and epilepsy, interval between fever onset and occurrence of seizure were recorded. Out of 110 patients 54 cases were male [49.1%] and 56 were female [50.9%], male to female ratio among those with recurrent febrile seizures was 1, 4:1.The peak age group for febrile seizure was 13-24 months [49, 1%] and the mean age was 22.1 months. Complex febrile seizure was observed in 40patients [38.2%]. Positive family history of febrile seizure was noted in 48 patients [43.6%] and family history of epilepsy in 10 patients [9.1%] was positive. It was found that 52.7% of cases were having respiratory tract infection, 39.1% having gastroenteritis and in 2% no focus of infection were found. It can be concluded from the present study that first attack of febrile seizure in younger age [<12months], complex febrile seizure and Positive family history of febrile seizure in children <12months were risk factors for recurrent febrile seizures