Short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of focal febrile seizures.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of complex febrile seizures (FS), specifically focal FS, on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome is not well known. The aim of this study was to assess the association between complex FS and neurodevelopmental outcome.

METHODS: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study was performed. The study included 282 children aged 6-60 months who experienced FS. Of these, 61 (22%) experienced recurrent FS, 33 (12%) prolonged FS, and 17 (6%) focal FS. The effect of these complex FS on subsequent need for special neurodevelopmental support was investigated. The neurodevelopmental status after FS was evaluated by a questionnaire.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 3 years post FS, 12 children (4.3%) required special neurodevelopmental support. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between focal FS and the need for subsequent special neurodevelopmental support, as well as a correlation between prolonged FS and pre-existing neurodevelopmental abnormality. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that focal FS (odds ratio [OR]: 12.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11-71.22) and pre-existing neurodevelopmental abnormality (OR: 262; 95% CI: 17-3944) were significantly associated with the need for subsequent special support.

CONCLUSION: An association was found between focal FS and subsequent neurodevelopmental impairment; therefore, close follow-up with particular attention to neurodevelopmental status is required for children who experience focal FS.