Clinical Analysis of Febrile Seizures in Children with COVID-19 in the Omicron Era: a Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Objectives：This study sought to investigate the characteristics of febrile seizures in children infected with the Omicron variant in Chongqing province, west of China, and underscore the importance of monitoring for potential neurological complications associated with this variant. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled a total of 84 pediatric patients with COVID-19 and FS who were admitted to Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital between December 11th and December 26th, 2022. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological and EEG data were retrospectively summarized. Results: The study enrolled 84 children, with a median age of 21.5 (15-35.5) months and a range of 6-162 months. Among these, 11.9% were of atypical age (age > 5 years). The patient population comprised of 54 (64.29%) boys and 30 (35.71%) girls. 32.14% presented with complex FS. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurred in 51.19%, followed by generalized tonic seizures (43.43%). 86.9% occurred within 24h after fever onset and 80.95% continued for ≤ 5min. Conclusions: Febrile seizures in children with Omicron VOC are common COVID-19 illness with a higher prevalence compared with other VOCs. They present with similar clinical manifestations and resolve spontaneously with a benign clinical outcome in line with other seasonal viruses.