[An epidemiological survey of febrile convulsions among pupils in the Wenzhou region].

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence and clinical features of febrile convulsion (FC) among pupils in the Wenzhou region, Zhejiang Province, China.

METHODS

Using a random stratified cluster sampling method, 6406 children under 12 years from two primary schools of urban areas and two primary schools of rural areas were surveyed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FC was 3.67% (235/6406). Most children (75.7%) experienced their first onset of FC at 6 months to 3 years of age (median: 16 months). The seizures were generalized (95.3%, 224/235), with a duration of less than 10 minutes (86.4%, 203/235). FC was developed into epilepsy in 13 children (5.5%) who all suffered from complex FC. Relapses were noted in 88 cases (37.4%), among whom 38 patients had only 1 recurrence and 50 patients had 2 or more relapses. EEG was performed in 200 cases, among whom 12(6.0%) showed abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of FC is 3.67% among pupils in the Wenzhou region. The seizures are generalized, with a short duration. A part of complex FC can be developed into subsequent epilepsy.