The first febrile convulsion: an analysis of 108 children in Saudi Arabia.

In 108 children admitted to the Maternity and Children's Hospital, Riyadh with their first febrile convulsion, clinical course, management and underlying causes were analysed. There was a preponderance of boys (69%) and a mean age of 18.6 months with a peak incidence (82%) between six months and three years. The commonest precipitating conditions were upper respiratory infection and gastroenteritis. Physical findings were confined to those of the primary disease. Routine investigations, including CSF analysis were not helpful. Convulsions were mainly of the simple type, single and symmetrical, and did not last for more than 30 minutes. Two thirds of the children reached hospital within two hours of the onset of their first convulsion, and the remainder up to ten hours after the convulsion had ceased. In only 18 patients did the parents take measures to lower the temperature or revive the child. Management of febrile convulsions is discussed. Since the condition is common and, if repeated, may have serious effects, methods of educating parents are suggested.