Yun-Feng Wang1, Zhong-Shu Zhou. 1. Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China. wangyf252@126.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Benign convulsions occur in infants during the course of mild gastroenteritis. It is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity in many countries. However, its occurrence in China has not yet been widely recognized by Chinese pediatricians. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 48 patients with convulsions between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2009. RESULTS: The age of onset of gastroenteritis was between 13 months and 24 months in 34 patients (70.83%). The episodes occurred at a distinct autumn/winter peak (75%). The seizures mostly occurred within the first 5 days of gastroenteritis, especially within the first 3 days, peaking on day 2 (39.58%). Thirty-five patients (72.92%) had clustered seizures in their episodes. Most episodes were symmetric, generalized tonic-clonic (83.33%) and brief (93.75%). The seizures were induced by pain and/or crying in 19 (39.58%) patients. Stool culture was positive for rotavirus in 21 (53.85%) of the 39 patients. Twenty patients (20/41, 48.78%) still had clustered seizures after the administration of a single anticonvulsant. The seizures persisted even after the administration of two combined anticonvulsants in 5 (26.32%) of 19 episodes. All patients exhibited normal psychomotor development. CONCLUSIONS: Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis are not rare in China, and rotavirus infection is a major cause.
BACKGROUND:Benign convulsions occur in infants during the course of mild gastroenteritis. It is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity in many countries. However, its occurrence in China has not yet been widely recognized by Chinese pediatricians. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 48 patients with convulsions between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2009. RESULTS: The age of onset of gastroenteritis was between 13 months and 24 months in 34 patients (70.83%). The episodes occurred at a distinct autumn/winter peak (75%). The seizures mostly occurred within the first 5 days of gastroenteritis, especially within the first 3 days, peaking on day 2 (39.58%). Thirty-five patients (72.92%) had clustered seizures in their episodes. Most episodes were symmetric, generalized tonic-clonic (83.33%) and brief (93.75%). The seizures were induced by pain and/or crying in 19 (39.58%) patients. Stool culture was positive for rotavirus in 21 (53.85%) of the 39 patients. Twenty patients (20/41, 48.78%) still had clustered seizures after the administration of a single anticonvulsant. The seizures persisted even after the administration of two combined anticonvulsants in 5 (26.32%) of 19 episodes. All patients exhibited normal psychomotor development. CONCLUSIONS:Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis are not rare in China, and rotavirus infection is a major cause.
Authors: Maria Cristina Medici; Laura Anna Abelli; Icilio Dodi; Giuseppe Dettori; Carlo Chezzi Journal: J Clin Virol Date: 2010-04-08 Impact factor: 3.168