First Complex Febrile Seizure Portends Low Risk for Intracranial Pathology

Investigators retrospectively assessed risk for clinically important intracranial pathology detected on neuroimaging in previously healthy children ages 6 to 60 months with first complex febrile seizures. The study involved a cohort of 526 patients (median age, 17 months) who presented to a tertiary pediatric emergency department (ED) between 1995 and 2008 within 12 hours of the seizure. Patients with trauma, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, or prior seizure disorders were excluded. Seizures were defined as complex if they lasted >15 minutes, presented as a series, recurred within 24 hours, or if clinical findings suggested focality. Imaging findings were considered clinically important if emergent neurosurgical or medical intervention were req…