Febrile convulsions: factors and recurrence rate.

One hundred and forty-seven children admitted consecutively with their first febrile convulsion were studied to assess the influence of certain factors on the recurrence rate of seizures. The younger the age at first occurrence the more likely the recurrence rate. Those with moderate degree of pyrexia (39-39.9 degrees C) were found to be ten times more likely to have subsequent recurring convulsions compared to those with high degree of pyrexia (40 degrees C and above) or those with mild degree of pyrexia (38-38.9 degrees C). Furthermore, the recurrence rate was five times higher in first-born compared to siblings second-borne or more. The overall recurrence rate was 29.3% with the frequency varying between 1 to 2 times. A male preponderance was observed. These factors might be of prognostic value in terms of risk for recurrence.